How many shots of flu vaccine are needed

During the influenza outbreak season, the elderly and children are very susceptible to infection. Once infected, it will not only affect their physical health, but may also cause other complications. Therefore, many people choose to get the influenza vaccine during the influenza outbreak season. Flu vaccines are usually in short supply, but when it comes to preventing the flu, it's not just a one-shot deal; generally, several shots are required.

How many flu shots are needed?

When children under 8 years old are vaccinated for the first time, two doses provide better protection than one dose, so children aged 6 months to 8 years who are receiving the influenza vaccine for the first time should receive two doses. That is to say, if your child has never had a flu shot before and is between 6 months and 8 years old, it is best to get two flu shots now, and the interval between the two shots should be more than 4 weeks; if the child has had a flu shot before, then only one shot is needed now.

Flu vaccination schedule

Do you know when is the best time to get the flu vaccine? Generally speaking, most flu outbreaks occur from November to February of the following year, but some flu outbreaks may extend into spring or even summer. In most cases, vaccines containing the latest virus strains will become available towards the end of summer, so you can get vaccinated in September. At the same time, people can get vaccinated 1-2 months before the peak of the influenza epidemic, so that the vaccine's protective effect will be better.

Secondly, the best time to get a flu shot is before the flu season starts each year. In our country, especially in the northern regions, winter and spring are epidemic seasons for influenza. Therefore, September to October every year is the best time to get the flu vaccine. However, even if the vaccination is given after the flu epidemic begins, it still has a preventive effect. Therefore, for those with poor immunity, vaccination is required every year.

Don’t get vaccinated in 5 situations

1. When a chronic disease occurs (uncontrolled hypertension, arrhythmia, cardiopulmonary failure, renal failure, asthma attack, etc.).

2. When there are suspected symptoms of upper respiratory tract infection such as fever, sore throat, runny nose, etc.

3. People who are allergic to eggs, thimerosal, and gentamicin sulfate.

4. Those who have received seasonal vaccines in the past and had allergic reactions.

5. People with severe allergies.