The flu causes multiple deaths and health complications each year, especially for older citizens. Getting vaccinated reduces your risk and the risk for others around you. Even if you are young and healthy and not in one of the high risk groups, you may still come in contact with many people who are at a higher risk which will put them in greater jeopardy. Many people ignore these risks factors because of misconceptions about what the vaccine does. The vaccine is, in fact, a nonliving virus that cannot transmit the disease so it does not cause the flu. The primary side effects typically only involve tenderness at the injection site, low-grade fever and achiness.
Who should get the Vaccine?
The Center for Disease Control recommends that anyone over 6 months of age should get the flu vaccine every year, however there are certain groups that are especially vulnerable and should be prioritized, these people include:
- Children aged 6 months to 4 years of age.
- People over 50 years of age.
- People with suppressed immune systems.
- Pregnant women.
- Nursing home and chronic care facility residents.
- Morbidly obese persons, those with a BMI over 40.
- Medical personnel.
- Individuals who work with children.
Who Shouldn’t Get the Vaccine?
There are some groups of people who are simply unable to get the vaccine or must take precautions including:
- Children under 6 months of age
- People who have a severe allergy to any of the vaccines’ ingredients.
- Children under 2 should not get the nasal spray.
- Different vaccines are given for different age groups and this should be discussed with your doctor.
- People with an egg allergy may be unable to receive the vaccine.
How to Get the Vaccine?
It has become easier over the years to get the vaccine as it has become more widely available in pharmacies, not just in medical offices. There are also, now, multiple options for how the vaccine is administered including injectable forms and a nasal spray.
Comfort Keepers of Santa Clarita, California can provide in home care for you or an elderly loved one including providing such services as transportation to a doctor’s office or pharmacy to get vaccinated. For more information about pricing and care options, call today.
Comfort Keepers
23900 Lyons Avenue
Santa Clarita, CA 91321
661-287-4200
