CDC Recommends Getting Flu Shot by October 31, 2018
Flu season is almost upon us, and the Center for Disease Control (CDC) in the United States has issued a recommendation for all persons aged greater than six months who do not have contraindications. What you need to know about this year’s vaccine:
- The vaccine has been updated to better match the circulating viruses.
- The nasal spray flu vaccine (live attenuated influenza vaccine or “LAIV”) is recommended and approved for use in non-pregnant individuals, 2-49 years of age.
- There are 6 vaccine options for the 2018-2019 virus –
Standard does flu shot.
High-dose shots for older people.
Shots made with adjuvant for older people.
Shots made with virus grown in cell culture.
Shots made using a vaccine production technology that does not require the use of flu vaccine.
Nasal spray vaccine.
- Flu vaccines protect against the three or four viruses (depending on the vaccine) that research suggests will be most common. For 2018-2019, trivalent (three-component) vaccines are recommended to contain:
A/Michigan/45/2015 (H1N1)pdm09-like virus
A/Singapore/INFIMH-16-0019/2016 A(H3N2)-like virus (updated)
B/Colorado/06/2017-like (Victoria lineage) virus (updated)
- It is best to get the vaccine prior to a spread of the virus in your community – many drugstore/pharmacy locations have the vaccine in stock now.
- If you are allergic to eggs, you are still eligible for the virus, but recommended to get in a clinical setting – read the CDC guidelines here.
- The flu is expected to begin circulating in October and November, with peak season in December and January.
How can you protect yourself from the flu?
Read our tips here – but you can start with these basics:
- Get a flu shot
- Exercise regularly
- Get a good night’s sleep
- Manage your stress level
- Eat healthy, specifically stating more fruit and vegetable intake.
