Why should people get vaccinated against the flu?

At Riverside Pharmacy and Milford Street Pharmacy located in Salisbury, MD we know how influenza is a serious disease that can lead to hospitalization and sometimes even death. Every flu season is different, and influenza infection can affect people differently, but millions of people get the flu every year. Even healthy people can get very sick from the flu and spread it to others. CDC ESTIMATES that flu-related hospitalizations since 2010 ranged from 140,000 to 710,000, while flu-related deaths are estimated to have ranged from 12,000 to 56,000.

During flu season, flu viruses circulate at higher levels in the U.S. population. “Flu season” in the United States can begin as early as October and last as late as May.

An annual seasonal flu vaccine is the best way to reduce your risk of getting sick with seasonal flu and spreading it to others. When more people get vaccinated against the flu, less flu can spread through that community.

How do flu vaccines work?

Flu vaccines cause antibodies to develop in the body about two weeks after vaccination. These antibodies provide protection against infection with the viruses that are in the vaccine.

The seasonal flu vaccine protects against the influenza viruses that research indicates will be most common during the upcoming season. Traditional flu vaccines (called “trivalent” vaccines) are made to protect against three flu viruses; an influenza A (H1N1) virus, an influenza A (H3N2) virus, and an influenza B virus. There are also flu vaccines made to protect against four flu viruses (called “quadrivalent” vaccines). These vaccines protect against the same viruses as the trivalent vaccine and an additional B virus.

Our knowledgeable pharmacists on staff at both Riverside Pharmacy and Milford Street Pharmacy can help answer any questions about the flu vaccine. We offer private personalized consultations at no cost.

Who should be vaccinated?

According to the CDC voted for “universal” flue vaccination and recommends anyone over the age of 6 months to be vaccinated to help expand protection against the flu.