Immunizations in Billings, MT
Everything You Need to Know About Flu Shots
Influenza, commonly known as the flu, has been with us for at least a century. Experts have speculated that the 1918 Spanish flu pandemic may have given rise to the seasonal flu as we know it. However the seasonal flu originated, it has had a serious impact on public health ever since. The CDC estimates that an average of 35,000 Americans have died from the seasonal flu each year over the past decade, and many more have been hospitalized.
Getting your annual flu shot is a safe and effective way to protect yourself from the seasonal flu. If you are on the fence about getting a flu shot, this guide is for you! Keep reading to discover what flu shots are all about, and feel free to contact us with any questions. Juro’s Pharmacy Health & Wellness is your destination for flu shots in Billings, MT.
What Is the Flu Shot?
The flu shot is a vaccine or a kind of preventive medicine that is used to stimulate the immune response. Like most vaccines, flu shots work by causing the immune system to create special blood proteins, called antibodies, to target the disease. These antibodies can prevent future infection, making it easier to fend off the virus if you are exposed.
Each year, vaccine researchers work hard to predict which flu strains are likely to be the most common, based on the latest immunological data. These prevalent strains are used to create the flu vaccine, which contains inactive parts of the virus that do not cause illness.
The effectiveness of the flu vaccine varies depending on the season. When the vaccine researchers have targeted the correct viral strains, the flu shot can reduce your chances of getting sick by up to 60%. Between 2019 and 2020, flu shots are estimated to have prevented 7.5 million cases of seasonal flu. Studies have also demonstrated that one death is prevented for every 4,000 people who receive flu shots.
Who Should Get a Flu Shot?
The CDC states that almost everyone aged 6 months or older should get a flu shot, with very few exceptions. Some groups are considered to be more likely than average to experience serious health complications from the flu. These include:
- Pregnant people.
- People with diabetes.
- People with respiratory conditions.
- People aged 65 or older.
If you or someone in your household belongs to one of these groups, it is especially important to get vaccinated against the flu. You should also prioritize getting a flu shot if you are in contact with infants under the age of 6 months.
The Importance of Vaccines
Ever since they were first discovered in the late 18th Century, vaccines have become an important cornerstone of public health. Getting a flu shot protects you and everyone around you from illness, and it can save the lives of vulnerable people in your community.
Ready to make a difference? Head over to Juro’s Pharmacy Health & Wellness and get your flu shot today! We serve Billings, MT, and our neighbors from Laurel.
