The CDC wants you to know that this year’s flu shot has a better chance of being effective than last year. And while there is never a guarantee, the misery of last year should motivate you to roll up your sleeve.
While everyone over the age of 6 months should consider vaccination, there are several categories of people who are at risk of hospitalization or death from the flu. The flu kills about 24,000 Americans each year – at least 145 children died last year alone. These people should not delay in seeing their doctor or pharmacist:
- People over 65
- Young children
- Pregnant woman
- Individuals who have chronic health conditions such as COPD, asthma, or heart disease.
It takes about 2 weeks before the vaccine begins to offer protection. While flu typically peaks between December and February, there is no real formula to determine when this year’s flu will begin to spread. If you have insurance, you should know that most policies cover the vaccine, often without a copay.
So, what are you waiting for? Call your doctor and get vaccinated today!
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