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The most common side effect of the vaccine is soreness at the
place of injection.
Occasionally, some people experience a period of mild fever
and fatigue for a day or two after the shot. Rarely, an allergic reaction reaction may
occur.
Since the vaccine is not a live vaccine, it is not possible
to get influenza from the vaccine. |
WHO SHOULDN'T
GET THE VACCINE? |
Individuals with egg allergies or those who have had a
previous vaccine-associated allergic reaction should avoid immunization. Also,
adults with acute febrile illnesses should usually wait until their symptoms abate before
seeking vaccination.
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Get the Flu Shot !
The best prevention against influenza is the yearly vaccine.
The influenza
vaccine is specifically recommended for people who are at high risk for developing serious
complications as a result of flu infection, such as:
 All
people aged 65 years or older
People
of any age with chronic diseases of the heart, lung or kidneys; diabetes,
immunosuppression, or severe forms of anemia
Residents of nursing homes
Children and teenagers who are receiving long term aspirin therapy and who may therefore
be at risk for developing Reye syndrome.
According to the CDC, the influenza vaccine has been shown to
reduce hospitalization by about 70 percent and death by about 85 percent in the
free-living elderly.
Because the strains from one year's vaccine can not offer
immunity to the strains that predominate the following, it is necessary to get vaccinated
every year in order to be properly protected.
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