October 17, 2024
Flu Vaccines 2022

As we welcome the fall season, it is time to think about getting your flu shot.

Flu is a contagious respiratory illness caused by influenza viruses that infect the nose, throat, and sometimes the lungs. It can cause mild to severe illness and sometimes lead to death. The best way to prevent the flu is by getting a flu vaccine.

Flu season begins in October and peaks between December and February but can last into May. There is no decrease in vaccine effectiveness if done early in the season. 

Why get a Flu Shot?

A new flu vaccine is developed each year  to protect against the flu strains anticipated for the upcoming season. Flu vaccine effectiveness can vary according to season, age, and health status, but getting vaccinated each year still reduces the risk of severe flu-related illness and hospitalization. 

Flu Shot Vaccine Recommendation

The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) recommends that everyone six months and older get vaccinated each flu season.

  • Children six months through eight years of age will need two doses one month apart during the initial flu season in which they are receiving vaccines, then one flu shot annually.
  • Everyone nine years and older needs only one dose each flu season. It takes about two weeks for the antibody protection to develop after vaccination.

Seasonal Respiratory Illness

Respiratory illnesses are common in the fall and winter. Illnesses like the flu, respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), the common cold, and COVID-19 will increase during the cold months.

RSV 

RSV is a common respiratory virus that usually causes mild, cold-like symptoms. But for older adults and infants, RSV can cause disease deep in their lungs.

RSV Vaccine Recommendation

  • The CDC recommends adults 60 years of age and older to receive a single dose of  the RSV vaccine, based on discussions between the patient and their healthcare provider.
  • The CDC recommends all pregnant people during weeks 32-36 of their pregnancy to receive their vaccine during, or entering the RSV season. 
  • The CDC recommends the RSV vaccine for infants younger than eight months of age who are born during, or are entering, their first RSV season. 

Pneumococcal Disease

Pneumococcal disease is a bacterial infection that can attack different parts of the body. According to the CDC, the bacteria can cause: Pneumonia, meningitis, bloodstream infection, middle ear infection, and sinus infection. Symptoms of pneumococcal disease depend on the part of the body that’s infected. Generally, the symptoms are  in that part of the body.

Pneumococcal Vaccine 

  •  The CDC It’s recommended that all children under  five years old complete a pneumococcal vaccine series.
  • For  Adults 19-64 years old  the CDC recommends those with certain health conditions like diabetes, asthma, COPD, or chronic heart disease should get vaccinated. 
  •  Adults 65 years and older the CDC recommended to get vaccinated if they haven’t received a pneumococcal vaccine in the last year. For those who have received PCV13 & PCV23, should receive a booster 5 years after their last pneumonia vaccine dose.

Pertussis (Whooping Cough)

Pertussis, also called “Whooping Cough” is a bacterial infection that you or your family can catch when an infected person coughs or sneezes. 

Whooping cough begins like a cold, with a mild fever and runny nose. Most adults do not have severe symptoms, but they can pass pertussis on to a newborn very easily without realizing it.

Whooping cough in a newborn and the elderly is a serious illness. Sometimes babies need to go the hospital for breathing problems or pneumonia.

Pertussis vaccine recommendation

The CDC recommends whooping cough vaccine for people of all ages. All whooping cough vaccines are combine with components that provide protection against other diseases too:

  • DTaP: Diphtheria, tetanus, and whooping cough for ages two months to six years old.
  • Tdap: Tetanus, diphtheria, and whooping cough for ages 11 years and up.

COVID-19

COVID vaccines are safe and effective in millions of people who have received the vaccine, and they are the best way to prevent the spread of COVID-19. CHAS Health is offering COVID vaccines to pediatric patients ages six months and older, and the updated COVID boosters are available at all clinics.

Please call 509.444.8200 or 208.848.8300 to schedule a vaccine appointment or schedule online.