Flu Shot Facts
The flu shot is a yearly vaccine given to prevent contracting the influenza virus. The vaccine is usually administered via a needle in the arm. The flu shot vaccinates against three strains of the virus that are most common. The flu shot is seasonal, typically given in the fall and winter because the flu is most frequently encountered in the winter.
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Side Effects
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Getting a flu shot may cause side effects. These side effects are usually mild and include a feeling of soreness, swelling and/or redness at the injection site, a low fever and mild aches. These side effects will appear very soon after the shot is administered and will usually last two days at the most.
Severe Side Effects
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Severe side effects from a flu shot are extremely rare, but they do occasionally occur. Certain people may have allergic reactions to the flu shot. If an allergic reaction occurs, it will happen within a few hours after getting the shot. Since the viruses used in the flu vaccine are grown in hen eggs, those who are allergic to eggs are more likely to have an allergic reaction to the flu shot. An allergic reaction to a flu shot usually includes wheezing, paleness, weakness, elevated heart rate, dizziness, or breathing problems.
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High Priority Cases
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There are some people for whom a yearly flu shot is highly recommended. These are people who have a job that exposes them to risk, or who are at a very high risk for having serious complications related to the flu; this group is a priority in the event that flu shots are limited. Children between 6 months and 19 years old, and people over 50, are also high priority. Pregnant women and people who live in nursing homes also need to get a flu shot every year.
People Who Should Not Get a Flu Shot
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For some people, getting a flu shot is not a good idea and could actually be potentially harmful. Those who have had allergic reactions to chicken eggs or to previous flu vaccinations should not get a flu shot. Children under the age of six months are not approved for the vaccination. Anyone who has any sort of illness and fever should not get the shot until he fully recovers.
Where to Get a Flu Shot
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Flu shots are available in a number of places, in order to make them more convenient. They are usually offered in doctors' offices, grocery stores, pharmacies and health clinics. Flu shots are usually covered by insurance for high-risk groups, and otherwise run between $10 and $50.
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