Flu season is approaching; UHS offers shots by appointment

It’s like clockwork: first comes a brisk fall breeze, then comes flu season.

Unfortunately, flu season still comes around every year. It’s vitally important to get your annual flu shot to protect yourself and those around you this season. Before one flu season is even over, members of the World Health Organization meet to decide which strains are likely to infect the most people during the next season.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), hundreds of thousands of people are hospitalized due to flu-related illnesses. A flu vaccine gives you an extra boost of protection to fight the flu. To protect our communities, UHS offers flu shots to the public.  With only a few exceptions, getting the annual influenza vaccine is a good idea for everyone six months and older. Unlike some vaccines you receive as a child and periodic vaccines like those for tetanus or whooping cough, a flu shot is needed every year. The yearly renewal of the vaccine is due in large part to the existence of multiple strains of the flu.

Flu vaccines are available at UHS primary care and pediatric offices throughout the region by appointment. Call your primary care provider or your child’s pediatrician to schedule your vaccine today. (A fee is charged for the shot at UHS sites.)

The flu vaccine is also available at the UHS Pharmacy Specialty Pharmacy located in UHS Pharmacy Johnson City at 345 Main Street, Johnson City.

How the shot protects you

Antibodies will peak approximately 30 to 45 days after your shot and last for about six months after the initial shot. If you don’t get a flu shot early — and change your mind later in flu season, vaccination is still beneficial. For some people in higher-risk groups, the flu can be a particularly big threat. It’s especially important to get a flu shot if you are pregnant; immunosuppressed; a person with a chronic cardiopulmonary disease; have a renal, hepatic, neurologic, hematologic or metabolic disorder (including diabetes); are over age 50; are a healthcare worker; are a nursing home resident; or are the parent, caregiver or household contact of an infant under six months of age.

Flu shots and kids

Children six months and older should all be sure to get the flu vaccine. Children ages six months to eight years who are receiving the flu shot for the first time or who have in the past received only a single dose need two doses total. Parents or caretakers can seek out the first shot as soon as your pediatrician’s office makes them available, then schedule the second dose four weeks later. Children undergoing long-term aspirin therapy are at an increased risk of contracting the flu, so vaccination is highly recommended.

According to the CDC, the first dose “primes” the immune system, and the second dose provides immune protection. Children who get only one dose can have reduced protection from not completing the full vaccine series. Children who have previously received two doses of vaccine at any time may need only one dose of vaccine this season, but be sure to check with the healthcare provider.

Take sensible precautions

As we get deeper into flu season, it’s important to take care of yourself, protect your family against viruses and be respectful of the life and health of those around you.

While the vaccine is the best way to prevent the flu, there are other everyday actions you can take to help keep from getting sick and stop the spread of germs:

• Avoid contact with those who are sick.
• Stay home if you suspect you’re sick, get plenty of sleep and drink plenty of fluids.
• Wash your hands with soap and water for 20 seconds frequently.
• Disinfect frequently touched surfaces.
• Cover your mouth and nose when coughing or sneezing.

Remember, the flu vaccine does not fully protect you from getting the flu, but it may help reduce your symptoms. You may have some protection against more strains of the flu every year you get the flu vaccine.

The flu generally comes on suddenly, within hours. Most people experience mild symptoms that could include:

• Fever and/or chills
• Cough
• Sore throat
• Runny or stuffy nose
• Muscle/body aches
• Fatigue
• Vomiting/diarrhea

If you’re in a high-risk group or your symptoms worsen, contact your healthcare provider immediately. The CDC recommends that the best time to receive your vaccine is by the end of October, so consider Halloween as your potential deadline. For information about UHS’ primary care and pediatric offices, visit nyuhs.org.

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