Flu Vaccination: Are You Still on the Fence?
Ok – for all you folks who still wonder about getting the ‘flu vaccine, here’s more proof of its effectiveness.
Immunizing pregnant women with the ‘flu vaccine transferred immunity to their infants by up to 63% . In addition, the vaccine fended off febrile respiratory illness (respiratory illness associated with fever) in 1/3 of mothers and infants (NEJM Oct. 9, 2008).
The ‘flu vaccine is not recommended for infants less than 6 months of age. Since an infant’s immune system is undeveloped, the infant relies on immunity from the mother – which is transferred to the infant through breast feeding. Since infants and the elderly are at the highest risk for mortality from contracting the ‘flu virus, it makes sense that immunizing the expectant mother will help transfer immunity to her unborn child.
The most common myth I hear from folks is that they got the ‘flu from getting the ‘flu vaccine. It can’t happen. Despite what you think. It’s impossible. Why? Because if you’re getting the vaccination as opposed to the nasal spray, you are getting an inactivated virus: this means it’s a DEAD virus. It can’t replicate in your body. All it can do is provoke an immune response by your body.
Only the nasal spray can give you mild upper respiratory symptoms. This is because the spray has what is called “attenuated” viruses: that is, the virus has been considerably weakened and can cause a very mild reaction – just enough to juice up your immune response. Anyway, hardly anyone gets the nasal spray these days (only the military does I understand).
You can get your ‘flu vaccine right through the winter but obviously, the sooner the better. Read “Flu Vaccine for Flu Prevention: 5 Facts You Should Know” for more information about the ‘flu vaccine.
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