close

Get vaccinated for flu season

2 min read

Last year’s flu shot was not the best, thanks to a mutation in the virus that occurred after the flu vaccines had already been completed. The result was a vaccine that was only 13 percent effective against the H3N2 virus subtype. To put that into perspective, typically the flu vaccine is 50 to 60 percent effective. According to the Centers for Disease Control, last year, the number of flu-related hospitalizations of senior citizens was the highest it had been in a decade.

While the CDC does state that “It’s not possible to predict with certainty if the vaccine will be a good match for circulating viruses,” on its website, it goes on to note that “Antibodies made in response to vaccination with one flu virus can sometimes provide protection against different but related viruses.”

CDC numbers show that while only about half of the United States population gets vaccinated – despite the recommendation that everyone 6 months of age or older should do so – on average, 24,000 people die from the flu each year. Last year, that number included at least 145 children, up from the average of 100.

There’s really no excuse not to get a flu shot. It’s covered by most insurance providers, and those who have to pay out of pocket are only looking at about a $32-$40 price tag – far less than what it costs to miss work, be hospitalized, or pay for a funeral. Moreover, many companies offer the vaccine free of charge to employees, and communities offer programs as well. Take, for example, Peters Township, which offered flu shots at no charge to those with Medicare on Sept. 22.

Needle-fearing folk have the option of a nasal spray, or, new this year, a jet injector, which forces the vaccine into a stream of fluid that penetrates the skin, sans needle – however, it can result in the same soreness as from a shot.

While it’s best to be vaccinated before October, it can still be done before flu season hits its peak, usually between December and February.

So, what are you waiting for? All you have to lose is your health.

CUSTOMER LOGIN

If you have an account and are registered for online access, sign in with your email address and password below.

NEW CUSTOMERS/UNREGISTERED ACCOUNTS

Never been a subscriber and want to subscribe, click the Subscribe button below.

Starting at $/week.

Subscribe Today