Flu Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference with the flu shot this year?
This year, the 2010-2011 flu vaccine will protect against an influenza A H3N2 virus, an influenza B virus and the 2009 H1N1 virus that caused so much illness last season.
One shot will protect most individuals from the seasonal flu and H1N1?
One shot will offer you protection from
seasonal influenze or flu as we commonly know it and the H1N1 virus.
Who should receive a flu shot?
Everyone 6 months of age and older should get
vaccinated against the flu as soon as the 2010-2011 season vaccine is available. People at high risk of serious flu complications include young children, pregnant women, people with chronic health conditions like asthma, diabetes or heart and lung disease and people 65 years and older. This includes:
- Persons over 65
- People with chronic pulmonary and cardiovascular disorders such as asthma
- Patients who have required regular medical follow-up or hospitalization during the preceding year due to chronic metabolic diseases such as diabetes, or immunosuppression
- Residents in nursing homes
- Children and adolescents on long-term aspirin therapy
- Children younger than 6 months are at high risk of serious flu illness, but are too young to be vaccinated. People who care for them should be vaccinated instead
- Health care workers, and other people who live with or care for high risk people to keep from spreading flu to high risk people.
- Women who are pregnant
- People who had the 2009 H1N1 vaccine or had the HIN1 virus should still get the 2010-2011 seasonal influenza vaccine.
Can I get the flu from a flu shot?
No. Killed viruses are used to produce the vaccine. Some people do experience mild side effects from the flu shot. These do not occur frequently, and include soreness at the injection site, fever and fatigue.
Why isn't the flu shot effective for more than 1 year?
Active
flu viruses change from year to year, requiring the production of new vaccine.
How quickly does the vaccine start to work?
Protection develops approximately two weeks after receiving the
flu shot.
When and where can individuals get the 2010-2011 flu shot?
VNA of Care New England will be providing community
flu clinics for individuals over the age of 19 at a variety of public locations throughout Rhode Island. Call our Flu Hotline at 401-681-1150 for more information.
What is the cost of this year’s flu shot?
VNA of Care New England is the
seasonal flu provider who accepts all insurances. Otherwise, the cost is $37.00.
What can be done to help prevent getting the flu?
Continue to be diligent about hand-washing, it is still the best way to prevent the
spread of flu and secondly, get your shot. It is an easy, inexpensive way to prevent what could potentially be deadly.
If you have additional questions, please contact the VNA of Care New England at 401-737-6050.
