Flu Vaccine – Offering Effective Protection for At-risk Groups

Who should take the flu jab? Can flu shot provide effective protection? Should I take it every year? When to take the jab? If these are the questions in your mind right now then the information we will be providing in following sections will help to answer all your queries.

Who are at more risk from flu?

Flu tends to be severe for certain group of people like:

• Those who are over the age of 65.
• Adults and children with some type of health problem (like a respiratory or a heart disease).
• Pregnant women.
• Adults and children having weakened immune system.

These people face a greater risk of developing serious complications like pneumonia and as such, they should get a flu vaccine on yearly basis as protection against such complications.

Can flu vaccine provide effective protection?

Flu vaccine proves to be most effective protection against virus that results in unpleasant illness among kids and at-risk groups. This vaccine helps in preventing people from getting flu but, it will not be stopping all the flu viruses. As such, the vaccine does not provide 100% protection to make you flu free.

However, if you get flu even after vaccination then it chances are that it will be milder as well as short-lived in comparison to a situation where you have not taken the vaccine.

Is it necessary to take the vaccine every year?

There is a gradual decrease in protection provided by the vaccine and in addition to it, flu strains also often modify. Thus, new vaccines are manufactured every year and it is advised that people should get the vaccine on a yearly basis.

When to take the flu jab?

Ideally, you should take the vaccination in the autumn between start of October to November. Even if you miss the vaccination, there is nothing to worry about and you can take the same later on in the winter.