By Martha A. Simpson, D.O., M.B.A.
Associate Professor of Family Medicine
Ohio University College of Osteopathic Medicine

FALL IS THE TIME FOR NEARLY EVERYONE TO GET THE FLU VACCINE

Question: Every year about this time you write a column on flu shots. Is there anything new on them? Should I get a flu shot again this year? My daughter says my grandkids had their shots last week to keep me from getting sick. I didn’t know kids got flu shots. I guess they are for everyone? What about the nasal spray to prevent flu?

Answer: Yes, this time of year -- the fall -- is flu vaccination time. It takes about two weeks after you get a flu shot to develop antibodies to the flu, and the vaccine lasts for about four months. January is typically the peak month for influenza, so late fall is usually the right time for your vaccination.
For the record, though, the peak of flu season does vary from year to year. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), it can occur anywhere from late December through March. Last year, for example, we had one of these atypical years. In 2006, the flu season didn’t peak until the end of March, a time when it is usually winding down.
Just about everyone should get a flu shot. There are, however, a few groups of people who should not get one. A flu shot should not be given to people who are allergic to eggs. It should also not be given to individuals who are moderately ill and running a fever. These folks should wait until they are better to get a shot. Another group that’s usually not given flu shots are babies under six months of age.
As an alternative to flu shots, there is an intranasal influenza vaccine that’s available. This vaccine is administered by spraying live -- but weakened -- flu virus into the nose. There are, however, more restrictions on its use. It is currently only recommended for people between the ages of five and 49 that are healthy. Also, if you are a family member or close contact of an immunocompromised person who requires a protected environment, you should get the shot instead of the intranasal vaccine.
The vaccine supply should be plentiful this year, as has not always been the case in recent years. Now, while you are thinking about it, would be a good time to call your family physician or local health department and arrange to get immunized against the flu.
If, despite my sage advice, you do end up putting it off and then remember in a month or so, don’t make the common mistake of thinking that it’s too late. Flu shots can be given up to and even into January in many parts of the country.
There are no new recommendations about flu vaccine this year, but public health officials are putting renewed emphasis on its importance. They are stressing the need for nearly everyone over six months of age to get immunized. This is especially important for people with chronic diseases like diabetes. If we all get our flu vaccine, it will help to reduce the number of infections, hospitalizations, and deaths from this disease.
Finally, as a note to myself and other health-care workers -- the CDC recommends that we be among the first in line for a flu shot. The main reason for this is to help protect our patients. It’s part of the National Patient Safety effort.

Family Medicine® is a weekly column. To submit questions, write to Martha A. Simpson, D.O., M.B.A., Ohio University College of Osteopathic Medicine, P.O. Box 110, Athens, Ohio 45701, or via e-mail to readerquestions@familymedicinenews.org. Medical information in this column is provided as an educational service only. It does not replace the judgment of your personal physician, who should be relied on to diagnose and recommend treatment for any medical conditions. Past columns are available online at www.familymedicinenews.org.