When is the best time to get the flu vaccine?

Currently, there are many types of flu vaccines but are divided into 5 main groups. The best time to get vaccinated is in the fall , before the flu virus outbreaks strongly.

Things to know when getting the flu vaccine

Every year, before flu season, medical experts recommend that people get the flu vaccine.

Flu vaccines have been around since the 1940s and have consistently been shown to be the most effective way to prevent viral infections. However, many people still have misconceptions about this familiar vaccine.

To help people have a clearer view of the flu vaccine, medical experts at Everyday Health offer some facts and tips as follows.

There are many types of flu vaccine

Currently, the medical industry has many types of flu vaccines. However, they are all divided into 5 main groups.

1. The first is the standard quadrivalent vaccine. This contains egg protein for people 6 months and older.
2. The second is the quadrivalent vaccine , which does not contain egg protein for people 6 months of age and older.
3. The third is the recombinant quadrivalent influenza vaccine. This product does not contain egg protein and is intended for people 18 years of age and older.
4. Fourth is the adjuvant quadrivalent vaccine for people aged 65 years and older. This type contains adjuvants to help the vaccine be more effective, creating a stronger immune response so users do not need to inject too much vaccine.
5. Fifth is the attenuated influenza vaccine LAIV . This type is for people 2-49 years old but is not safe for pregnant women and people with weak immune systems.

Healthy people also need to get the flu vaccine

Healthy people are less at risk than infants, the elderly, and people with weakened immune systems, but anyone can be at risk of complications from the flu or even death from it.

Therefore, no matter how healthy you are, you should get vaccinated to prevent consequences caused by the flu. Vaccination is also a way for you to protect those around you - especially those who are not eligible for vaccination.

Vaccines do not help you avoid the flu completely

Professor Dr. William Schaffner at Vanderbilt University School of Medicine (USA) advises that even though flu vaccines are not suitable for the circulating virus strain, they still have an effect on the body.

The professor cited information from the CDC, stating that even if you get the flu after getting vaccinated, you can still avoid serious symptoms and get better faster. This also "applies" even if you have a different strain of flu.

You should get vaccinated before flu season starts. (Photo: Adobestock).

Vaccines do not work immediately

It takes your body 2 weeks to build an immune system to fight the flu virus. That means you can still get the flu from the time you get vaccinated until the immune barrier is "built".

That's why experts recommend getting vaccinated in the fall, before the virus begins to spread widely. If you get vaccinated early, your immune system will be ready to protect you.

You need to be vaccinated every year

According to Professor. Dr. Andrew Pekosz at Bloomberg School of Public Health at Johns Hopkins University (USA), we have two reasons to vaccinate every year.

First , the flu vaccine is updated every year based on changes in the circulating virus.

Second , the effectiveness of the vaccine will gradually decrease over time. Therefore, you need to get vaccinated periodically every year for maximum protection.