By Trish Svoboda/Image courtesy Canva
As flu season approaches, local health experts are urging residents to get vaccinated to protect themselves and their families. Victoria Eperjesi, PharmD, CVS district leader, emphasized the importance of planning ahead and getting the flu shot before the virus begins circulating widely.
“One thing we can’t forget to add to our checklist is how to protect ourselves and our family from all of those fall germs and viruses that are going to be in the air. It’s a good time to start thinking about the flu shot and deciding if it’s right for you and your family and if so, making an appointment and scheduling your time to get vaccinated,” said Eperjesi.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends that everyone six months and older receive the flu vaccine, as long as they do not have allergies to its components or have had a severe reaction in the past. Eperjesi said the vaccine takes two full weeks to reach efficacy, so it’s ideal to get it between September and October. She explained that the flu shot is updated each year to protect against the most common strains and is designed to be received annually.
“Every year the strain of flu that circulates is different. We do our best to predict what that variant is going to be and the flu shot is built based on that. So, it is really important to get it annually to ensure that you’re protected against the most up-to-date strain in the community and in addition it’ll keep you protected all flu season long.”
Addressing common concerns, she reassured that the flu shot is safe and cannot give someone the flu. “The flu vaccine is made up of inactivated flu as well as some flu protein so you may still get an immune response from getting the flu shot which would result in flu-like symptoms,” she said. “So, people can potentially get a fever, headache, or maybe some body aches after getting the flu shot but it’s actually the desired outcome of what we’re looking for.”
Flu shots are widely available at pharmacies, local health departments, and pediatricians’ offices, often at no cost with commercial insurance or Medicare Part B. Eperjesi encouraged residents to take advantage of accessible health care professionals and clinics in their communities to stay protected.
“Pharmacists are the most accessible health care professionals. If you have any questions or concerns, stop in. We’d love to have conversations and help you feel comfortable and get you and your family ultimately protected. We’re here for you and we’re wishing you a healthy and a happy flu season.”
