Vaccination debate: Examining advantages, disadvantages, and security of flu inoculations
In the face of the seasonal flu, it's crucial for everyone aged 6 months and older to get an annual flu vaccine. This recommendation, supported by health organisations such as the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the American Academy of Pediatrics, underscores the significance of this preventive measure.
The FDA meticulously evaluates the safety and effectiveness of each flu shot before it is made available to the public. This rigorous process ensures that the vaccines contain substances that meet their stringent standards. Over the past several hundred million people in the United States have safely received flu vaccines, attesting to their safety.
The flu shot is a vital tool for anyone at risk of severe complications from the flu. High-risk groups include older adults, young children, pregnant women, and people with certain underlying health conditions such as HIV, asthma, and diabetes. These individuals are more susceptible to the flu's potentially serious illness, hospitalization, and even death.
The flu shot is a vaccine designed to prevent influenza, a seasonal virus that affects the respiratory system. It works by introducing a weakened or inactive form of the virus into the body, allowing the immune system to develop a defence against it. The flu shot cannot cause a person to get the flu, as it contains either the inactivated virus or only part of the virus.
While the flu shot is not 100% effective, it significantly reduces the risk of getting the flu. In fact, during the 2017-2018 season, flu vaccinations prevented an estimated 6.16 million illnesses, 3.18 million medical visits, 90,904 hospitalizations, and 5,747 deaths [1]. This year, all flu shots are quadrivalent, meaning they protect against four strains of the virus.
The recommended frequency of flu shots varies by age group. For children aged 6 months to 8 years, if they are receiving the flu vaccine for the first time or have fewer than 2 prior doses before July 1, 2024, they should get two doses at least 4 weeks apart. If they have already received 2 or more doses before July 1, 2024, only one dose annually is needed. Children 9 years and older, as well as adults, require only one annual flu shot without the need for a second dose in the same season.
Some people may experience mild side effects after the flu shot, such as low-grade fever, headaches, and muscle aches. These symptoms should only last for a short period. The injection site may also become painful, red, or swollen, but these reactions are usually minor and temporary.
In conclusion, getting an annual flu vaccine is essential for preventing the flu and its potentially severe consequences. By doing so, we not only protect ourselves but also contribute to community immunity, making it less likely for high-risk individuals to get the flu. So, make sure to get your flu shot this season and help keep your community healthy.
References: [1] CDC. (2018). 2017-2018 Influenza Season: Preliminary Burden Estimates. Retrieved from https://www.cdc.gov/flu/about/burden/preliminary-in-season-estimates.htm
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