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Community Corner

Flu Season Is Here—Are You Getting A Flu Shot?

Keep in mind as we endure another flu season that a quick trip to the clinic to get a flu shot, might just need to make your to-do-list.

I really enjoy getting the medical information flyer from our health care providers because I was reminded about getting a flu shot. Every year people die from the flu and can become very sick. I’m sure we can all remember times when the flu knocked us off our feed for a couple of days. Getting a flu shot may just be a good idea to decrease your chance of getting the flu.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), people who are over age 65, pregnant women and people who may be affected by pneumonia from complications stemming from diabetes, chronic lung disease, and asthma should receive the flu vaccine. This list also includes people who are caregivers for any of the already mentioned primary candidates for a flu vaccine.

You don’t have to be elderly or high risk to get a flu shot. Flu.gov and the CDC recommend everyone get a flu shot, unless you have a severe allergy to eggs or have had a severe reaction to vaccines in the past. Every year people die from the flu and have to miss work to recover from sickness.

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Flu vaccines are given as early as 6 months of age and are effective for one flu season. Most insurance companies will cover the cost of a flu vaccine but there are also many clinics and pharmacies that charge a nominal fee to get the vaccine.

Flu season starts as early as September and lasts through May. You should get your flu shot as soon as it becomes available in your community. Flu shots are also based on supply and demand so your area might run out.

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If you have a question about getting a flu shot, talk to your doctor or nurse. They would be able to reassure you if you are a candidate for getting a flu shot.

There are possible side effects to getting a flu shot, they include nausea, headaches, soreness or swelling at the needle site, and fever. If you feel your side effects are severe you should contact your doctor.

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