Flu season is coming, and it’s time to start thinking about getting the flu vaccine. Before heading to your local pharmacy or provider’s office, you may ask yourself, “Why do I need a flu shot every year?”
Keep reading to get the answer to that question and learn the benefits of getting your annual flu vaccine!
Why you need a flu shot every year
There are many vaccines we get that protect us for several years without a booster (and some for our entire lives), but the flu shot is different. Flu viruses are unique, which means we need an updated vaccine every year to fight off illness. There are many things that make the flu different from other viruses, including:
- It’s always changing. Flu viruses go through “antigenic drift,” which means their genes change a little. These changes make it hard for our immune system to recognize and fight the flu, even if we had the flu shot or the flu before.
- There are different strains. Each year, scientists look at which flu strains are most likely to spread during the upcoming flu season. They study data from all around the world to predict which strains will be the most common. Because of this, flu vaccines need to be updated yearly to make sure they offer the best possible protection.
- Our immunity decreases. Even if the flu strains did not change from one year to the next, the protection we got from the vaccine weakens after a year. Getting a new flu shot every year helps boost your immunity and keeps you protected.
The importance of getting an annual flu shot
Millions of people get the flu every season, and it can affect everyone differently. Though you may feel just a little sick, the flu causes hundreds of thousands of hospitalizations and tens of thousands of deaths every year. The flu is also more dangerous for infants, the elderly and people who have chronic illnesses like asthma, diabetes and congestive heart failure.
Getting the flu vaccine isn’t just about protecting ourselves and others from serious illness. It’s not uncommon to miss several days of school, work, or family events when we get sick with the flu. This means missing out on valuable lessons, loss of income and decreased time spent with the ones we love.
Getting your flu shot
Everyone 6 months and older in the U.S. should get the annual flu shot unless told differently by their medical provider. It is best to get vaccinated for the flu in September or October. This gives the vaccine enough time to work before the flu starts spreading widely.
Getting your flu shot is easy if you’re a HealthLinc patient. The next time you have an appointment with your medical provider, ask about getting your vaccine. This helps you save time and a trip to the office! If you’re not due for a checkup soon, call your nearest HealthLinc Pharamcy to schedule a time to get your vaccine!
