Flu season is in full swing during the coldest months of the year, and it’s time to get your annual flu shot. The flu vaccine is now recommended for everyone ages six months and older.1
Why do I need to get a flu vaccine every year?
Two reasons: Flu vaccines are typically effective for one year. As the year progresses, your immunity against the current flu virus wanes. So, by the time flu season arrives the following year, it’s time for another vaccine. Second, the flu virus constantly changes. New vaccines must be formulated annually to be effective against the current flu strains. The CDC partners with state public health departments and healthcare providers across the country each year to track the new flu strains.
Is it possible to still get the flu even if I get the flu shot?
Technically, yes. It is possible to become ill with a less prevalent flu strain than the current vaccine is formulated against. But for most people, even if they do happen to become ill despite receiving the flu vaccine, studies show their symptoms are substantially reduced. And hospitalizations and deaths are substantially reduced as well.1 Flu vaccination is especially important for the elderly and those with chronic health conditions who are at risk for more serious flu illness.
Because 70-85% of flu deaths occur in people ages 65 and older, several new flu vaccine options are now preferentially recommended for people ages 65 and older.1 These vaccines include Fluzone high dose quadrivalent vaccine, Flublok Quadrivalent recombinant flu vaccine and Fluad Quadrivalent adjuvanted flu vaccine. This recommendation is based on available studies that suggest that for people ages 65 and older, these vaccines may be more effective than standard dose unadjuvanted flu vaccines. If these new vaccine options are not available, people ages 65 and older should get a standard flu vaccine.
Will insurance cover it?
There are more opportunities than ever for getting vaccinated. Flu vaccines are covered by health insurance plans, and you can get them at your doctor’s office, pharmacy, public health department, and even many grocery store pharmacies. For people who do not have health insurance, South Carolina has a Children’s Vaccination Program and an Adult Vaccination Program that will provide flu vaccination for free.2 To learn more, go to: https://scdhec.gov/dhec-vaccine-programs-eligibilityFlu vaccines are your best line of defense against the current flu strains this winter. These vaccines are safe and effective. It’s also ok to get the flu vaccine at the same time that you get vaccines against other respiratory diseases such as Covid-19 and RSV. To locate flu and COVID-19 vaccines near you, visit https://www.vaccines.gov/find-vaccines/ 3 Keep yourself and your community healthy this winter by staying up to date with flu vaccination!
References:
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, National Center for Immunization and Respiratory Diseases. Key Facts about Seasonal Flu Vaccines. CDC website, https://www.cdc.gov/flu/prevent/keyfacts.htm Adjuvated Vaccines webpage. Available at Accessed December 10, 2023.
- South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control. DHEC website, DHEC Vaccine Programs: Eligibility webpage. Available at https://scdhec.gov/dhec-vaccine-programs-eligibility. Accessed December 10, 2023.
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, National Center for Immunization and Respiratory Diseases. CDC website, Vaccines.gov webpage. Available at https://www.vaccines.gov/find-vaccines/. Accessed December 10, 2023.
Authors
Author: Dr. Kathleen Cartmell, PhD, MPH, Associate Research Professor, Clemson University, Department of Public Health Sciences
Co-Author: Rhonda Matthews, M.Ed., Rural Health and Nutrition Program Team Leader
