We recommend that patients every year should get a flu and advise that most age groups will need a flu shot to protect against seasonal and annual flu-related illnesses.
Flu shots are by far the most effective way to protect against the flu; a flu vaccine helps to boost immunity to an adapted flu virus, keeps children and adults safe throughout peak flu season, and provides peace of mind to busy parents and students throughout the fall. Without a flu shot, a majority of patients can experience flu-related illnesses symptoms that keep them out of work for several weeks.
Additionally, a flu shot is extremely important for younger children as well. Children that don’t have fully-developed immune systems may experience a variety of medical complications. These complications include extreme fatigue, illness, respiratory problems, and even neurological impacts in the most extreme cases. Children between the ages of six months and five years old are at the highest risk for a flu shot.
However, in extremely rare cases a patient may be told not to get a flu due to some excruciating circumstance. For example, a patient that has a significant auto-immune disease may be unable to get a flu shot safely. But it is important that you always make sure that you speak with a trusted medical provider in order to get the safest, most effective treatment guidance.
Children under six months of age should not get a flu shot, children older should
Younger infants under the age of six months should not get a flu shot, according to general CDC guidelines. Children this young may be susceptible to detrimental health impacts because their immune system is incredibly weak compared to older kids. Once a child reaches the six month requirement, then they should get a flu shot.
If you believe your child may have other auto-immune issues, make sure you contact your nearest medical provider for any types of questions.
Individuals with allergies to flu vaccine ingredients should not get a flu shot
Ask your doctor about any severe allergies to flu vaccine ingredients, such as eggs, before considering a flu shot. Only patients with the most extreme allergies should not get their flu shot. However, some facilities offer hypo-allergenic options for flu shots including a cell-based flu shot.
Only in extreme cases will a patient need to forgo a flu vaccine because of a life-threatening allergy. Most flu vaccines are safe for patients with normal allergies and are not likely to trigger an allergic reaction.
The majority of all patients should get a flu shot at Instant Urgent Care Dublin!
Families with younger children should consider getting their flu shot at our walk-in clinic in Dublin, CA! Even though a very rare select few may not be eligible for a flu shot, most people will need one this season to protect against the sneezing, coughing, and sniffling from flu-related illnesses!