Flu Shot | CMS (2024)

FAQs

Does it still make sense to get a flu shot? ›

And although the flu shot doesn't always provide total protection, it's worth getting. This year's seasonal flu vaccines each provide protection against four of the influenza viruses expected to be most common during this flu season. High-dose flu vaccines will be available for adults age 65 and older.

Officials with the federal health agency said that the findings from their report show that the flu shot for the 2023 to 2024 season is effective at reducing the risk of flu-related doctor's visits and hospitalizations. Overall, this season's flu shot effectiveness is about the same as previous years.

Influenza (flu) vaccine effectiveness (VE) can vary. The protection provided by a flu vaccine varies from season to season and depends in part on the age and health status of the person getting the vaccine and the similarity or “match” between the viruses in the vaccine and those in circulation.

You may get some mild and temporary side effects after your flu vaccine, such as soreness or redness where you got your shot, muscle aches, headache or a low fever. These common side effects usually begin soon after you get the vaccine and last 1-2 days.

The flu vaccine aims to protect you against the most common types of flu viruses. There's still a chance you might get flu after getting vaccinated, but it's likely to be milder and not last as long. The vaccine usually takes up to 14 days to work.

Flu vaccine effectiveness in all adults this season

This group of adults who got a flu shot this season were: About 33% to 49% less likely to see a healthcare provider because of flu. About 41% to 44% less likely to be hospitalized for the flu.

Yes, the flu shot wears off in about six months. The flu shot does not provide long-lasting protection, which is another reason we need to get one every year. When should I get a flu shot? We typically suggest getting the flu shot in the early fall, before the virus starts circulating in the community.

Influenza vaccine safety

Common side effects from the vaccine include mild pain, redness or swelling where the vaccine was given. These side effects usually last for a few days and go away without any treatment. Serious side effects, such as a severe allergic reaction are rare.

Unless your physician advises you otherwise, it is wise to get a flu shot to drastically reduce your chance of getting the flu and passing it along to others. When the majority of a population gets the flu shot, everyone wins – more people are protected and fewer people get the virus, so fewer can pass it on.

How many days after a flu shot do you feel tired? ›

Some people feel more tired than usual for one or two days after getting the flu vaccine. Contact your health care provider if you have side effects lasting more than 48 hours.

No vaccine is 100 per cent effective, but people who have had the flu jab are less likely to get flu. It takes 10 to 14 days for the vaccine to work, so you might get flu in the meantime. If you do get flu after being vaccinated, it is likely to be a milder, shorter illness than if you haven't been vaccinated.

Similar decreases in influenza vaccination observed among HCP in other countries have been attributed to COVID-19 vaccination campaigns leading to decreased emphasis on influenza vaccination and vaccine fatigue from having received multiple COVID-19 vaccines (6).

However, there are some medically accepted side effects of the flu shot. These include serious disease processes such as Guillain Barre Syndrome, or GBS. Other recognized side effects include permanent shoulder injuries related to the administration of the vaccine.

It's best to be vaccinated before flu begins spreading in your community. September and October are generally good times to be vaccinated against flu. Ideally, everyone should be vaccinated by the end of October.

For the most part, getting a flu shot while sick is safe. Generally, mild cold symptoms will not impact the efficacy of a flu shot. 3 However, getting a flu shot while you're sick might depend on the severity of your symptoms, Aditya Gaur, MD, director of clinical research at St.

It takes about two weeks for your immune system to create enough antibodies to help protect you from the flu. If you're considering getting a flu shot later in the flu season but are worried that it's too late to get a flu shot—if there's any flu activity occurring, then it's not too late at all.

When should I get vaccinated? For most people who need only one dose of influenza vaccine for the season, September and October are generally good times to be vaccinated against influenza. Ideally, everyone should be vaccinated by the end of October.