Winter is synonymous with the flu. As the cold sets in, so too do the day of sickness and germs. Traditional flu seasons last from November to early spring which means people were told to get their flu shots in late October or early November. According to McPherson County Health Department Director Fern Hess, it takes two to four weeks for the antibodies that protect against the flu to form.
But this year, the Center For Disease Control is loosening those guidelines, suggesting people start getting their flu shots as early as September.
Hess said medical suppliers, the heath department and retail suppliers have coordinated efforts on flu shots and will begin giving shots later this month. Hess said some retailers, such as Walgreens, have already begun advertising the shots and that medical offices will likely begin giving the shots later this month or at the beginning of October with the health department giving shots starting on October.
All flu shot providers will keep doses on hand throughout the winter months.
This year’s flu shot Hess said, contains three antigens with one being the 2009 H1N1 antigen. The CDC has also made its recommendation on who should receive the shot more liberal. This year, the CDC is recommending anyone over the age of 6 months receive the shot because of its protection not only against the seasonal flu but also against last year’s H1N1 strain.
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Winter is synonymous with the flu. As the cold sets in, so too do the day of sickness and germs. Traditional flu seasons last from November to early spring which means people were told to get their flu shots in late October or early November. According to McPherson County Health Department Director Fern Hess, it takes two to four weeks for the antibodies that protect against the flu to form.
But this year, the Center For Disease Control is loosening those guidelines, suggesting people start getting their flu shots as early as September.
Hess said medical suppliers, the heath department and retail suppliers have coordinated efforts on flu shots and will begin giving shots later this month. Hess said some retailers, such as Walgreens, have already begun advertising the shots and that medical offices will likely begin giving the shots later this month or at the beginning of October with the health department giving shots starting on October.
All flu shot providers will keep doses on hand throughout the winter months.
This year’s flu shot Hess said, contains three antigens with one being the 2009 H1N1 antigen. The CDC has also made its recommendation on who should receive the shot more liberal. This year, the CDC is recommending anyone over the age of 6 months receive the shot because of its protection not only against the seasonal flu but also against last year’s H1N1 strain.
