Protect Yourself from Seasonal Flu

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The Basics Get a seasonal flu shot every year. The flu shot is available starting each fall. Everyone age 6 months and older needs to get a flu shot (vaccine) every year. The seasonal flu vaccine is the best way to protect yourself and others from the flu.For many people, the seasonal flu is a mild illness. But for some people, the flu can lead to:<ul><li>Serious infections like pneumonia (“noo-MOHN-yah”)</li><li>Hospitalization</li><li>Death</li></ul>The flu spreads easily from person to person. When you get the flu shot, you don’t just protect yourself – you also protect the people around you.What is the flu? The flu is caused by a virus that infects your nose, throat, and lungs. It’s easily spread from person to person.Symptoms of the flu include:<ul><li>High fever</li><li>Headache</li><li>Tiredness</li><li>Cough</li><li>Sore throat</li><li>Runny or stuffy nose</li><li>Muscle aches</li></ul>Am I at high risk for complications from the flu? For some people, the flu is more likely to lead to serious illness. If you are at high risk from the flu, get a flu shot as early as you can each year. Groups at high risk from the flu include:<ul ><li><a href="http://www.cdc.gov/flu/protect/vaccine/pregnant.htm" >Pregnant women</a></li><li><a href="http://www.cdc.gov/flu/protect/children.htm" >Children under age 5</a></li><li><a href="http://www.cdc.gov/flu/about/disease/65over.htm" >Older adults</a></li><li><a href="http://www.flu.gov/at-risk/health-conditions/index.html" >People with health conditions</a> like asthma, diabetes, HIV/AIDS, or heart disease</li></ul>If you spend time with someone at high risk from the flu, you can help protect both of you by getting a flu shot.When should I get the seasonal flu shot? Get the flu shot as soon as it’s available in your community each year. After you get the shot, it takes about 2 weeks for your body to develop protection against the flu. That’s why it’s a good idea to get the vaccine before flu season starts.Flu season can be different from year to year. It can start as early as October and last as late as May.Can I get the nasal (nose) spray instead of the shot? The flu vaccine can be given in a nasal spray or a shot. You may get the nasal spray if you:<ul><li>Are between ages 2 and 49</li><li>Aren’t pregnant</li><li>Don’t have certain health conditions, like asthma or diabetes</li></ul>Are there any side effects from the seasonal flu vaccine? Some people may have mild side effects. These side effects begin soon after the vaccine is given and usually last 1 to 2 days. Most people don’t have any side effects after getting the flu vaccine.Flu shot People who get the flu shot sometimes feel sore where they got the shot. You can’t get the flu from the flu shot because it’s made from killed flu viruses.Flu nasal spray People who get the nasal spray may have a stuffy nose or headache afterward. The flu viruses in the nasal spray are weakened and can’t cause the flu.

Take Action! Call your local health department and ask where you can get the flu shot. You can get a flu shot at your doctor’s office or clinic. You may also be able to get a flu shot from your local health department, pharmacy, or employer.Find a flu clinic near you. <a href="http://flushot.healthmap.org/" > Use this flu clinic locator</a> to find out where you can get a flu shot near you.What about cost? The seasonal flu vaccine is covered under the <a href="http://www.healthcare.gov/law/features/rights/preventive-care/index.html" >Affordable Care Act</a>, the health care reform law passed in 2010. Depending on your insurance plan, you may be able to get the flu vaccine at no cost to you.Check with your insurance provider to find out what’s included in your plan. <a href="http://www.healthcare.gov/news/factsheets/2010/07/preventive-services-list.html" >For information about other services covered by the Affordable Care Act, visit HealthCare.gov</a>.Your flu shot is free if you have Medicare Part B.Fight the flu. Getting the flu vaccine is the most important step in protecting yourself from the flu. Here are some other things you can do to keep from getting and spreading the flu:<ul ><li>Stay away from people who are sick.</li><li>If you are sick, stay home for at least 24 hours after your fever is gone.</li><li>Wash your hands often with soap and warm water.</li><li>Try not to touch your nose, mouth, or eyes.</li><li>Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue when you cough or sneeze.</li></ul>

Start Today: Small Steps <ul><li><a href="http://www.cdc.gov/flu/pdf/freeresources/updated/take3_step_vac.pdf" >Get answers to frequently asked questions about the flu vaccine [PDF - 422 KB]</a>.</li><li><a href="http://www.flu.gov/at-risk/travelers/index.html">Stay safe from the flu while you are traveling</a>.</li><li>Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue when you cough or sneeze.</li></ul>

The Basics Get the pneumonia shot at age 65 to protect yourself from the most common type of pneumonia. If you are age 65 or older, ask your doctor for a shot (vaccine) to help protect you from a common type of bacterial pneumonia (“noo-MOHN-yah”). This shot is called PPSV (pneumococcal polysaccharide vaccine).Pneumonia is a serious illness that can sometimes lead to death, especially in older adults. The good news is that you can prevent some types of pneumonia by getting a pneumonia shot. Most people will only need to get the shot once.Who needs to get a pneumonia shot? If you are age 65 or older, get a pneumonia shot. If you are under age 65, you may need a pneumonia shot if you smoke or have a health condition like:<ul><li>A weakened immune system (from HIV, for example)</li><li>Diabetes</li><li>Heart disease</li><li>Asthma</li></ul><a href="http://www.vaccines.gov/diseases/pneumonia/index.html" >Find out more about who needs a pneumonia shot and when</a>.Are there any side effects? The pneumonia shot is very safe. Some people may have redness or pain where the shot is given.What is pneumonia? Pneumonia is an infection of the lungs. It can spread from person to person. Pneumonia is a serious illness, and it can lead to infections of the blood or the brain.Visit these Web sites to learn more about pneumonia:<ul ><li><a href="http://www.cdc.gov/Features/Pneumonia/" >Pneumonia Can Be Prevented – Vaccines Can Help</a></li><li><a href="http://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health/health-topics/topics/pnu/" >Pneumonia Facts</a></li></ul>

Take Action! Call your doctor’s office and ask about the pneumonia shot. Pneumonia is a serious illness. Don’t wait – talk to a doctor or nurse about the pneumonia shot.Call your doctor or health clinic today. If you are age 65 or older, ask your doctor or nurse about the pneumonia shot. Remember, most people will only need to get the shot once.What about cost? The <a href="http://www.healthcare.gov/law/features/rights/preventive-care/index.html" >Affordable Care Act</a>, the health care reform law passed in 2010, covers the pneumonia shot for people at high risk for pneumonia. This includes all adults age 65 and older.Depending on your insurance plan, you may be able to get the shot at no cost to you.<ul ><li><a href="http://www.medicare.gov/coverage/pneumococcal-shots.html" >If you have Medicare, it will cover the cost of the pneumonia shot</a>.</li><li>If you have private insurance, check to see what’s covered. Ask about the Affordable Care Act.</li><li>If you don’t have insurance, you can still get a pneumonia shot. <a href="http://findahealthcenter.hrsa.gov/Search_HCC.aspx" >Find a health center near you</a> to learn more.</li></ul><a href="http://www.healthcare.gov/news/factsheets/2010/07/preventive-services-list.html" >For information about other services covered by the Affordable Care Act, visit HealthCare.gov</a>.Take steps to stay healthy. When you are healthy and strong, your body is better at fighting off infections and illnesses.<ul ><li>Wash your hands often with soap and water to kill germs.</li><li><a href="http://healthfinder.gov/HealthTopics/ViewTopic.aspx?topicId=24">Quit smoking</a>.</li><li><a href="http://healthfinder.gov/HealthTopics/ViewTopic.aspx?topicId=68">Get plenty of sleep</a>.</li><li><a href="http://healthfinder.gov/HealthTopics/ViewTopic.aspx?topicId=21">Eat healthy</a>.</li><li><a href="http://healthfinder.gov/HealthTopics/ViewTopic.aspx?topicId=22">Stay active</a>.</li><li><a href="http://healthfinder.gov/HealthTopics/ViewTopic.aspx?topicId=18">Get your seasonal flu shot</a> every year. Seasonal flu can sometimes lead to pneumonia.</li></ul>

Start Today: Small Steps <ul><li>Tell a friend or family member about the pneumonia shot.</li><li><a href="http://www.cdc.gov/cdctv/handstogether/">Watch this short video on how to wash your hands to stay healthy</a>.</li><li><a href="http://www.smokefree.gov/quit-guide.aspx">If you smoke, make a plan to quit today</a>.</li></ul>

The Basics Just like kids, adults need shots to help prevent serious diseases like tetanus. Adults need shots (vaccinations) just like kids do. Make sure you are up to date on your shots.<ul ><li><a href="http://healthfinder.gov/HealthTopics/ViewTopic.aspx?topicId=18">Get a flu shot every year</a>. The seasonal flu vaccine is the best way to protect yourself and others from the flu.</li><li>Get the Tdap vaccine to protect against tetanus (“TET-nes”), diphtheria (“dif-THEER-ee-ah”), and whooping cough (pertussis).</li><li>Get a Td booster shot every 10 years to protect against tetanus and diphtheria.</li><li>If you are age 60 or older, get a shot to prevent shingles. Shingles causes a rash and can lead to pain that lasts for months or years.</li><li>If you are age 65 or older, <a href="http://healthfinder.gov/HealthTopics/ViewTopic.aspx?topicId=23">get a pneumonia shot</a>. This shot is sometimes called PPSV. Most people only need to get the shot once.</li></ul>Ask your doctor or nurse if there are any other shots you may need to help you stay healthy.Why do I need to get these shots? There are 3 main reasons to get your shots.<ol ><li>Vaccines help protect you against diseases that can be serious and sometimes deadly.</li><li>The shots you got as a child can wear off over time. And as you get older, you may be at risk for other illnesses, like shingles.</li><li>Vaccines don’t just protect you – they also protect the people around you. Some people in your family or community may not be able to get certain vaccines because of their age or health condition.</li></ol>Protect yourself and those around you by staying up to date on your shots.Do I need any other shots to help me stay healthy? You may need other shots if you:<ul ><li>Didn’t get all of your shots as a child</li><li>Have a health condition like HIV that makes it harder for your body to fight infection</li><li>Have a health condition like diabetes or heart, lung, or liver disease</li><li>Are pregnant</li><li>Are a man who has sex with men</li><li>Smoke</li><li>Spend time with infants, young children, or older adults</li><li>Work in a school, hospital, prison, or health clinic</li><li>Travel outside the United States</li></ul>Ask your doctor or nurse if you need any other shots.

Take Action! Call your doctor’s office and ask about shots to help you stay healthy. Talk with a doctor or nurse about getting your shots.Find out which shots you need. Take this quiz to <a href="http://www2.cdc.gov/nip/adultImmSched/" >find out which shots you need</a>. Print out the results and take them with you to your next checkup. Make a plan with your doctor or nurse to get your shots. <a href="http://vaccine.healthmap.org">Or use this vaccine clinic locator to find out where you can get important shots</a>.<a href="http://healthfinder.gov/HealthTopics/ViewTopic.aspx?topicId=18">Get a seasonal flu shot every year</a>. Everyone age 6 months and older needs to get the seasonal flu vaccine every year.What about cost? Many shots for adults are covered under the <a href="http://www.healthcare.gov/law/features/rights/preventive-care/index.html" >Affordable Care Act</a>, the health care reform law passed in 2010. Depending on your insurance plan, you may be able to get your shots at no cost to you.<ul ><li>If you have Medicare or private insurance, check to find out what’s included in your plan. Ask about the Affordable Care Act.</li><li>If you don’t have insurance, you still may be able to get free shots.<ul ><li><a href="http://www.cdc.gov/mmwr/international/relres.html" >Call your state health department</a> to find a free or low-cost vaccination program.</li><li><a href="http://findahealthcenter.hrsa.gov/Search_HCC.aspx" >Find a health center near you</a> to learn more.</li></ul></li></ul><a href="http://www.healthcare.gov/news/factsheets/2010/07/preventive-services-list.html" >For information about other services covered by the Affordable Care Act, visit HealthCare.gov</a>.Keep a copy of your vaccination record. You and your doctor are the only ones keeping track of the vaccinations (shots) you receive. Ask your doctor to print out a record of your vaccinations. Keep this record in a safe place.If you aren’t sure which shots you’ve already received, <a href="http://www.cdc.gov/vaccines/recs/immuniz-records.htm#where" >try these tips for finding old vaccination records</a>. If you still can’t find a record of your vaccinations, talk with your doctor about getting some shots again.

Start Today: Small Steps <ul><li>Ask your doctor for a copy of your vaccination (shot) records.</li><li><a href="http://www2.cdc.gov/nip/adultImmSched/">Take this quiz to find out which shots you need</a>.</li><li><a href="http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/tutorials/pneumonia/htm/index.htm">Watch this short presentation about pneumonia</a>.</li></ul>

The Basics Shots (also called vaccinations or immunizations) work best when children get them at certain ages. Shots (also called vaccinations or immunizations) protect children from serious diseases.Getting all the shots recommended by age 2 will protect your child from dangerous diseases, including:<ul><li>Measles</li><li>Whooping cough (pertussis)</li><li>Chickenpox</li><li>Hepatitis A and B</li></ul>Each vaccine protects your child from different diseases. Some vaccines require more than one round of shots. Your child needs all of the shots to be fully protected. It’s important for all children to get shots. The germs – like bacteria and viruses – that cause serious childhood diseases are still around. Each child who isn’t vaccinated gives those germs a chance to spread to other children.When does my child need shots? Shots work best when children get them at certain ages. Doctors follow a schedule of shots that begins at birth.<ul ><li>If your child is age 6 or younger, <a href="http://www2a.cdc.gov/nip/kidstuff/newscheduler_le/" >find out which shots your child still needs</a>.</li><li>If your child is late getting vaccinated, talk to the doctor about “catch-up” shots.</li><li>Doctors recommend that pre-teens ages 11 and 12 get important shots, too. <a href="http://healthfinder.gov/HealthTopics/ViewTopic.aspx?topicId=60">Find out more about shots for pre-teens</a>.</li></ul>Ask the doctor for a list of your child’s shots. Keep the list in a safe place – you will need it for school and other activities.Are there any side effects from shots? Side effects from shots are usually mild and only last a short time. Some children have no side effects at all. Ask the doctor what to expect after your child’s shots.Shots are very safe. Vaccines are tested for years before they are put in use. The risk of harm from shots is very small.Shots don’t cause autism. Research shows that shots don’t cause autism. Autism is a disorder of the brain. Kids with autism have trouble talking and connecting with other people.Some parents notice the first signs of autism at the same age their children get certain shots. They may think the two are connected, but research hasn’t shown any link between vaccines and autism.<a href="http://www.cdc.gov/vaccines/parents/parent-questions.html" >Get answers to common questions about babies and vaccines</a>.

Take Action! Check with the doctor to make sure your child is getting all the recommended shots. Protect your child from serious childhood diseases by making sure she gets all recommended shots.Find out which shots your child needs. Check with your doctor to make sure your child is getting all the recommended shots. If your child is age 6 or younger, <a href="http://www2a.cdc.gov/nip/kidstuff/newscheduler_le/" >find out which shots your child still needs</a>.<a href="http://healthfinder.gov/HealthTopics/ViewTopic.aspx?topicId=18">Get your child a seasonal flu shot every year</a>. Everyone age 6 months and older needs to get the seasonal flu vaccine every year.What about cost? The <a href="http://www.healthcare.gov/law/features/rights/preventive-care/index.html" >Affordable Care Act</a>, the health care reform law passed in 2010, covers recommended shots for kids. Depending on your insurance plan, you may be able to get your child’s shots at no cost to you.Check with your insurance provider to find out what’s included in your plan. <a href="http://www.healthcare.gov/news/factsheets/2010/07/preventive-services-list.html" >For information about other services covered by the Affordable Care Act, visit HealthCare.gov</a>.If you don’t have health insurance, you can still get important shots for your child.<ul ><li><a href="http://www.cdc.gov/vaccines/programs/vfc/parents/qa-detailed.html" >Find out if your child qualifies for free shots</a>.</li><li><a href="http://www.cdc.gov/mmwr/international/relres.html" >Call your state health department</a> to find a free or low-cost vaccination program.</li><li><a href="http://findahealthcenter.hrsa.gov/Search_HCC.aspx" >Find a health center near you</a> to learn more.</li></ul>Tell the doctor about bad reactions. Serious side effects after getting a vaccine – like a severe allergic reaction – are very rare. If your child or another family member has ever had a bad reaction to a vaccine in the past, tell the doctor before your child gets a shot.When your child gets a vaccine, pay extra attention to your child for a few days afterwards. If you see something that worries you, call your child’s doctor.Help make shots easier for your child.<ul ><li>Stay calm.</li><li>Ask the doctor or nurse for tips on how to hold your child during the shot.</li><li>Distract your child during the shot. For example, tell a joke, sing a song, or point to a picture on the wall.</li><li>Praise your child after the shot is over.</li></ul><a href="http://www.cdc.gov/vaccines/parents/tools/tips-factsheet.html" >Get more tips on making shots less stressful for you and your child</a>.

Start Today: Small Steps <ul><li><a href="https://www.vacscheduler.org/scheduler.html?v=patient">For children age 6 or younger, use this Catch-Up Immunization Scheduler</a>. </li><li>Find out which shots your kids need before they can start day care, school, or summer camp.</li><li>Write down any upcoming doctor visits on your family calendar.</li></ul>

The Basics All kids need the Tdap, MCV4, and HPV shots at age 11 or 12. They also need an MCV4 booster shot at age 16. Doctors recommend that pre-teens ages 11 and 12 get important shots (also called vaccinations or immunizations). All pre-teens need:<ul ><li>A Tdap booster shot: This shot protects against tetanus (“TET-nes”), diphtheria (“dif-THEER-ee-ah”), and whooping cough (pertussis).</li><li>An MCV4 shot: This shot protects pre-teens against types of meningococcal disease, including meningitis (“men-in-JY-tis”). Meningitis is a very serious infection of the tissue around the brain and spinal cord.</li><li>3 HPV shots: These shots protect against human papillomavirus (HPV). HPV can cause cervical cancer in women and genital warts and anal cancer in women and men. </li><li>A flu shot every year: The flu vaccine is the best way to <a href="http://healthfinder.gov/HealthTopics/ViewTopic.aspx?topicId=18">protect against the flu</a>.</li></ul>Tdap and MCV4 are each given as a single shot when your child visits the doctor at age 11 or 12. The 3 HPV shots are given over a 6-month period starting at age 11 or 12. Your child will also need an MCV4 booster shot at age 16.Why does my child need these shots? Shots can prevent serious diseases. For example, meningitis can cause the loss of an arm or leg or even death. Meningitis and whooping cough can spread easily from person to person.As kids grow older, some of the childhood vaccines begin to wear off. That’s why it’s important to get another Tdap “booster” shot. Also, pre-teens are at greater risk for more diseases as they get older, like meningitis and HPV.Check out these Web sites to learn more about vaccines for pre-teens:<ul><li><a href="http://www.cdc.gov/vaccines/who/teens/vaccines/mcv.html" >MCV4</a></li><li><a href="http://www.cdc.gov/vaccines/who/teens/vaccines/tdap.html" >Tdap</a></li><li><a href="http://www.cdc.gov/hpv/vaccine.html" >HPV</a></li></ul>It’s important for all children and pre-teens to get shots. The germs that cause serious childhood diseases are still around. Each person who isn’t vaccinated gives those germs a chance to spread to other people.Are there any side effects from these shots? Side effects from shots are usually mild and only last a short time. Many children have no side effects at all.Vaccines are tested for years before they are put in use. The risk of harm from shots is very small.

Take Action! Call the doctor’s office and ask if your pre-teen is up to date on his shots. Make sure your pre-teen gets important shots.Schedule a checkup for your pre-teen. The Tdap, MCV4, and HPV vaccines are given during your child’s yearly checkup at age 11 or 12. If your child didn’t get these shots at age 11 or 12, make an appointment to get them now.Many states require the Tdap and MCV4 shots for school.What about cost? The <a href="http://www.healthcare.gov/law/features/rights/preventive-care/index.html" >Affordable Care Act</a>, the health care reform law passed in 2010, covers recommended shots for kids. Depending on your insurance plan, you may be able to get your pre-teen’s shots at no cost to you.Check with your insurance provider to find out what’s included in your plan. <a href="http://www.healthcare.gov/news/factsheets/2010/07/preventive-services-list.html" >For information about other services covered by the Affordable Care Act, visit HealthCare.gov</a>.If you don’t have health insurance, your pre-teen can still get important shots.<ul ><li><a href="http://www.cdc.gov/vaccines/programs/vfc/parents/qa-detailed.html" > Find out if your child qualifies for free shots</a>.</li><li><a href="http://www.cdc.gov/mmwr/international/relres.html" >Call your state health department</a> to find a free or low-cost vaccination program.</li><li><a href="http://findahealthcenter.hrsa.gov/Search_HCC.aspx" >Find a health center near you</a> to learn more.</li></ul>Talk to your child about the HPV vaccine. HPV is spread through sexual activity. It’s the most common STD (sexually transmitted disease) in the United States.Some parents feel uncomfortable talking to their children about STDs. If your child is young, you may want to say that the HPV shots prevent cancer.To start a conversation with your pre-teen, try asking what your child already knows about HPV or the HPV vaccine. If you’d like more help talking to your child, <a href="http://healthfinder.gov/HealthTopics/ViewTool.aspx?toolId=53">take this list of questions for the doctor about HPV shots</a> to your child’s next appointment.Tell the doctor about bad reactions. Serious side effects after getting a vaccine – like a severe allergic reaction – are very rare. If your child or another family member has ever had a bad reaction to a vaccine in the past, tell the doctor before your child gets a shot.When your child gets a vaccine, pay extra attention to your child for a few days afterwards. If you see something that worries you, call your child’s doctor.

Start Today: Small Steps <ul><li>Make an appointment for your pre-teen to get her shots.</li><li><a href="http://www.cdc.gov/hpv/vaccine.html">Get the facts about the HPV vaccine</a>.</li><li>Ask the doctor for a print-out of your child’s shots.</li></ul>

Start Today: Small Steps <ul><li><a href="http://www.cdc.gov/hepatitis/RiskAssessment/">Use this tool to see if you are at risk for hepatitis</a>.</li><li>Check with your doctor to see if you’ve had the Hepatitis B vaccine.</li><li><a href="http://www.vaccines.gov/travel/index.html">Find out if you need any vaccines before you travel</a>.</li></ul>