Flu Shots 2006-7

Nicole Pender, WA State Department of Health

Do you need a flu shot? Answer these questions to find out!

• Are you age 50 years or older?
• Do you have a chronic health condition like diabetes, heart disease, or asthma?
• Do you live in a nursing home or assisted living center?
• Do you live with or take care of a child who is younger than five years old?
• Do you live with or take care of a person who is 50 or older or has a chronic health condition?
• Do you want to lower your chances of getting the flu this year?

If you answered yes to any of these questions, you should get a flu shot this year. Many people have questions about flu shots. The following are answers to some commonly asked questions.  Talk to your doctor, nurse, or clinic if you have other questions.

Can I get the flu from a flu shot?
   
No. The flu shot is made from a killed virus, so it cannot give you the flu. Some people may have a mild fever or feel achy for 1-2 days after getting a flu shot. These are normal symptoms caused by your immune system responding to the vaccine.  

Why do I need to get a flu shot every year?

The most common types of flu virus change every year and so does the vaccine. You need to get a flu shot every year in order to be protected against changing flu viruses.   
 
Can I still get the flu if I get a flu shot?

Flu shots are the best protection from the flu, but they only protect against three types of the flu virus. There are many more strains of the flu, so there is still a chance that you can get the flu even if you get a flu shot.  If you are vaccinated and get the flu, your chances of becoming seriously ill are much less.

Get your flu shot today.  If you can’t get a flu shot from your regular doctor, call your local:

• Health Department
• Senior Information and Assistance
• Pharmacy

Or, check the online Flu Clinic Locator at www.flucliniclocator.org.

Visit these websites to look up the phone number for your local:

Health Department 

Senior Information & Assistance

Nicole Pender is the Adult and Adolescent Immunization Coordinator, Washington State Department of Health