This fall, federal health agencies are set to implement significant changes to various vaccine guidelines. However, the recommendation for the flu vaccine remains unchanged: all individuals aged 6 months and older should receive an annual flu shot. Last flu season, approximately 1.3 million Americans were hospitalized due to the flu, and the disease claimed up to 130,000 lives. Dr. Aaron Glatt, chair of the department of medicine and chief of infectious diseases at Mount Sinai South Nassau Hospital, emphasizes that the flu shot is both safe and life-saving. Here’s what you should know as you prepare for your flu shot this year.
Eligibility criteria for the flu vaccine remain consistent with previous guidelines. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends the flu shot for everyone aged 6 months and older, with few exceptions. It's important to note that the CDC's recent changes to COVID-19 vaccine recommendations do not apply to the flu vaccine. The CDC’s advisory panel is expected to meet in late September to discuss routine vaccines for COVID and other diseases, but the flu vaccine will not be part of this discussion.
Flu vaccines are currently available at numerous pharmacies, clinics, and doctors' offices nationwide. Flu activity typically begins to increase in October, peaking around February, although this can vary by year and region. Dr. Glatt advises that it is wise to get your flu shot sooner rather than later to ensure protection when the virus begins to circulate in your community. “You should have very good immunity in September that will last you through the flu season,” he said. While it’s still beneficial to get vaccinated after October, it’s advisable to be protected as early as possible, as flu cases can linger until April.
Since the introduction of COVID-19 vaccines in 2021, health authorities, including the CDC, have stated that co-administering the COVID and flu shots is safe, without compromising their effectiveness. However, a recent memo from the FDA's top vaccine official has prompted a reconsideration of this stance, indicating that they will require vaccine manufacturers to conduct clinical trials before confirming the safety of receiving both vaccines simultaneously. Dr. Joseph Bresee, director of respiratory virus prevention and preparedness at The Task Force for Global Health, assures that there is ample evidence supporting the safety of getting both vaccines during the same visit. This approach can significantly improve vaccination rates by reducing the need for multiple appointments.
If you have health insurance, you can expect the flu vaccine to be provided at no cost, as insurers are mandated to cover all vaccines recommended by the CDC's advisory panel. For those without insurance, the price of a flu shot at a pharmacy may range from as low as $20 to over $100. Fortunately, many cities offer low- or no-cost vaccines to uninsured individuals at public health clinics.
The FluMist nasal spray vaccine is now available for home delivery, allowing caregivers to administer the vaccine or enabling individuals to self-administer without visiting a pharmacy or doctor’s office. This option is safe and effective for individuals aged 2 to 49 who are not pregnant or immunocompromised. Dr. Bresee notes that this method is particularly beneficial for those who may have difficulty traveling to a healthcare facility, as many of them are at higher risk for severe disease due to underlying health conditions.
The effectiveness of this year’s flu vaccine will be better understood around February, as the vaccine formula is adjusted annually based on predictions of which viral strains are expected to circulate. When the vaccine strains closely match the circulating viruses, it typically provides between 40% and 60% effectiveness in preventing severe illness and death from flu. Dr. Glatt emphasizes that while getting the flu vaccine does not guarantee complete immunity, it greatly reduces the likelihood of severe illness, hospitalizations, and death.
Additionally, the FDA has expanded eligibility for the Flublok vaccine, a recombinant flu vaccine, to individuals as young as 9 years old. This vaccine employs a unique technology that has been shown to be particularly effective in older adults, though the CDC states that all vaccines available for those under 65 are similarly effective.
According to Dr. Bresee, flu vaccines are extremely safe, having been administered hundreds of millions of times over the decades. The most common side effects include mild soreness or redness at the injection site, which typically lasts for about 24 hours. Those with a history of significant allergic reactions to the flu or other vaccines should consult a healthcare provider before getting vaccinated. Otherwise, the flu vaccine is safe for the vast majority of individuals. Dr. Glatt advises that your doctor is the best source of information regarding your health history and vaccination needs. The CDC, professional society websites, and the Department of Health are also excellent resources for reliable information.
