Health officials say it's flu shot season

Oct. 01--Tweet

While some doctors and immunologists have questioned the effectiveness of early influenza vaccinations, federal health officials want to put the debate to rest. The Centers for Disease Control has announced that it does not recommend waiting to vaccinate and is asking the public to get shots as soon as possible.

The vaccination is especially important for vulnerable populations including children over 6 months old, the elderly and the immunocompromised.

"Flu vaccination started (last) month. The sooner the better," said pharmacist Shawn M. Signor of Bolton's Pharmacy in Watertown. "The vaccine sometimes needs time in the body to become most effective." Healthy adults may have a little more wiggle room, but should still be certain to get the annual shot when they can.

Pharmacies such as CVS and Walgreens have been promoting and incentivizing flu shots nationally, in some cases since August, leading to questions over residual effectiveness once the peak of flu season rolls around in January and February. However, federal officials insist that even an early shot is much better than no shot at all, so people should get the shot whenever they have the chance.

The CDC warns that "while delaying vaccination might permit greater immunity later in the season, deferral could result in missed opportunities to vaccinate, as well as difficulties in vaccinating a large number of people within a more limited time period."

Strains of the viral infection are constantly in flux. This year the nasal spray vaccine often provided for children is not recommended by officials due to uncertainties over its effectiveness.

"The vaccine is predetermined and developed each year," Mr. Signor said. This year the most commonly available vaccination will be the usual shot which protects against three strains and a higher dosage for individuals over the age of 65.

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