The annual seasonal influenza vaccine is being rolled out nationwide,and the Centers for Disease Control has released guidelines for the vaccine.This year,the vaccine provides protection against the HIN1,H3N2 and influenza B strains.Flu season usually peaks around January,but outbreaks are possible as early as October.It takes about two weeks to develop the protective antibodies stimulated by the vaccine.
The injection form of the vaccine is approved for most people older than six months of age.The FluMist inhaled vaccine is for healthy people between 2-49 years of age who are not pregnant.
Those at high risk for flu include pregnant women;those who are 50+;those of any age with certain chronic illnesses;people in nursing homes or other long term care facilities;and those who care for any of the above groups.
Certain people should consult a physician before being vaccinated:those with a severe chicken egg allergy;those who have had a severe reaction to a previous flu vaccine;those who developed Guillan-Barre syndrome within six weeks of getting a flu vaccine;children less than six months old;and those with a moderate to severe illness with a fever,who should wait until they recover.
The vaccine offers protection only against specific strains of influenza.It provides about a 70% chance of being protected from those strains.
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