Flu Shot FAQs

1. Who are high-risk individuals?
2. What is the flu?
3. What are the symptoms of the flu?
4. Who should receive a flu shot?
5. Who should not get a flu shot?
6. Will the flu vaccine give me the flu?
7. How long until I'm immunized from the flu once I receive the shot?
8. How long does the immunization last?
9. What are the possible side effects of the flu vaccine?
10. Who administers the flu shots?

Who are high-risk individuals?
Persons at high risk for complications from influenza are:

1. Persons age 65 or older;
2. Residents of nursing homes and other chronic-care facilities that house persons of any age who have chronic medical conditions;
3. Children and adults who have chronic disorders of the pulmonary or cardiovascular systems, including asthma;
4. Children and adults who have required regular medical follow-up or hospitalization during the preceding year because of chronic metabolic diseases (including diabetes mellitus), renal dysfunction, hemoglobinopathies, or immunosuppression (e.g., caused by medications or human immunodeficiency virus);
5. Persons aged 6 months to 18 years who are receiving long-term aspirin therapy and therefore might be at risk for developing Reye syndrome after influenza; and
6. Women who will be in the second or third trimester of pregnancy during the influenza season.

What is the flu?
The flu - influenza - is a respiratory infection caused by viruses. Illness may last anywhere from several days to a week or more.

What are the symptoms of the flu?
When people contract the flu, they may have fever, chills, headache, dry cough, or muscle aches. Complete recovery is usual; however, complications may lead to pneumonia or death

Who should receive a flu shot?
Anyone over the age of 18 is at risk and should be vaccinated. Seniors over age 65 are strongly encouraged to get the flu shot. A flu shot is essential for any individuals who are at high risk, including health care workers, individuals with chronic diseases of the lungs or heart, and people with immune deficiencies or HIV-positive. Healthy children, ages 6 to 23 months, are encouraged, when feasible to obtain a flu shot. (See your pediatrician or your local health department. The New England Nurses flu clinics program does not immunize children). The Center for Disease Control recommends that women in their second or third trimester of pregnancy during the influenza season receive the vaccine.

Who should not get a flu shot?
New England Nurses will not give a flu shot to people who are under age 18, have a fever or are on antibiotics, have an active neurologic disorder (MS., Parkinson's Disease, ALS) or affected with Guillain-Barre Syndrome. Also, you should not receive the flu shot if you are allergic to the following: eggs or egg products, chicken feathers, thimerosal (found in contact lens solution), gentamycin or streptomycin (types of aminoglycoside antibiotics) or sulfites.

Will the flu vaccine give me the flu?
No - a flu shot will not give you the flu because the vaccine is made from killed viruses.

How long until I'm immunized from the flu once I receive the shot?
Once you receive your flu shot, it takes approximately 10 to 14 days for your body to build up adequate immunity. If you have been exposed to the flu within a few days prior to receiving the shot, you may still become infected with the flu. The shot does not cause the flu.

How long does the immunization last?
Immunity peaks at approximately two months after receiving the shot. The vaccination is effective for the current flu season. Flu viruses change every year, so it is advisable to receive a new vaccination each year. Influenza does not usually reach Massachusetts until January and peaks around February or March.

What are the possible side effects of the flu vaccine?
Influenza vaccine generally causes only mild side effects that occur infrequently. Any side effect would occur within 6-12 hours after vaccination and can persist for one to two days. These reactions consist of soreness at the injection site, fever, chills, headaches or muscle aches. Allergic reactions (e.g., hives, breathing difficulties and shock) occur rarely after influenza vaccination.

Who administers the flu shots?
The flu shots are administered by a New England Nurses nurse. Each person will be screened to ensure they do not have any condition that would exclude them from vaccination.