Even though flu season is here, it is not too late to get a vaccine. The CDC recommends that as long as flu viruses are spreading and causing illness, vaccination should continue throughout the flu season in order to protect as many people as possible against flu.

Who Should Get the Flu Vaccine?

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends everyone 6 months and older receive the annual influenza vaccine. The vaccine may not be advised for individuals with certain health conditions (though this is uncommon). We encourage you to talk with your provider if you have any questions regarding the flu vaccine.

Why Get the Flu Vaccine?

• The flu vaccine can keep you from getting sick with flu.
• Flu vaccination helps prevent serious medical events associated with some chronic conditions.
  • According to the CDC, vaccination has been associated with lower rates of some cardiac events among people with heart disease, especially among those who had had a cardiac event in the past year.
  • The flu vaccine has been shown to be associated with reduced hospitalizations among people with diabetes and chronic lung disease.
• Vaccination helps protect women during and after pregnancy.
  • A 2018 study showed that getting a flu shot reduced a pregnant woman’s risk of being hospitalized with flu by an average of 40%.
• Flu vaccine can be life-saving in children.
  • A 2017 study showed that flu vaccination can significantly reduce a child’s risk of dying from flu.
• Flu vaccination has been shown to reduce severity of illness in people who get vaccinated, but still get sick.
• Getting vaccinated may help protect the people around you, including those who are most vulnerable to serious flu illness: babies, young children, older people, and individuals with certain chronic health conditions.

*Content Source: https://www.cdc.gov/flu/prevent/keyfacts.htm

Where Can I Get My Flu Vaccine?

To schedule an appointment to get your flu vaccine at Sleepy Eye Medical Center or one of our clinics, call 507-794-3691.

Most pharmacies also provide flu vaccinations.