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.