When should I get the flu vaccine

Every year when the seasons change, it is the season for influenza outbreaks, especially for children or the elderly. People who are usually in poor physical condition are very likely to be infected with influenza. The emergence of influenza vaccines can effectively prevent the occurrence of influenza. However, there is a time for getting the influenza vaccine, which does not mean that it can be taken at any time. Generally speaking, when should the influenza vaccine be taken?

When should I get the flu vaccine?

If the infant is between 6 months and 3 years old, it is best to get the flu vaccine before the flu occurs, and use a children-specific flu vaccine. In addition, the influenza vaccine for infants and young children needs to be administered twice in a row to be effective, and the two vaccinations should be given one month apart.

Is it necessary for children to get the flu vaccine?

It is necessary.

The flu vaccine is a vaccine that many families consider unnecessary because it is only 23% effective. In fact, this idea is not correct. Doctors who tell parents that this vaccine is unnecessary do not take preventive science seriously enough. Vaccination not only prevents corresponding diseases, but also stimulates the maturity of the baby's immune system. Influenza is different from other colds. Its symptoms are more severe than those of the common cold, and babies are most likely to be infected. Therefore, it is recommended that babies be vaccinated every year.

Of course, getting a flu shot doesn't mean you won't get the flu. Influenza viruses mutate very quickly, with new viruses emerging every year. You need to get vaccinated every year. If you don’t get vaccinated, it’s the same as never having been vaccinated before, and you won’t have immunity. So new flu vaccines are produced every year. It has to be produced before flu season arrives. However, as to what will be popular next year, we can only guess (of course not pure blind guessing), which means there is a possibility of guessing wrong. In addition, even if you guess correctly, if the virus mutates before the end of the epidemic season, or if you happen to be infected with a less popular virus, you may still be infected. If something like swine flu or bird flu appears, it will be even more difficult to predict.

When is the best time to get vaccinated?

The start and end time of each flu season is different, and vaccination is generally recommended in the fall. You don’t need to be vaccinated after March, but if you’re traveling to the Southern Hemisphere, you do need to be vaccinated. Because the flu season there has just begun.