Flu shots help prevent the spread of influenza and protect you from some of the most severe strains circulating each season. Ideally, you should get vaccinated in September or October, before flu activity peaks between December and February. However, it’s never too late to receive a flu shot—even later in the season, vaccination can still offer protection.

How Does the Flu Spread?

Influenza spreads primarily through droplets when an infected person coughs, sneezes, or talks. The virus can also survive on surfaces, where it may be picked up when someone touches a contaminated object and then touches their face.

Good hygiene—like frequent handwashing and covering your nose and mouth when sneezing—helps reduce transmission. Vaccination adds a critical layer of protection, helping prevent both infection and the spread of the virus to others.

Who Should Get Vaccinated?

Everyone aged 6 months and older should receive an annual flu vaccine at a primary care office, pharmacy, or local health department. It takes about two weeks for your body to develop antibodies against the flu strains selected each year by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

Certain groups are at higher risk for severe illness and complications and are strongly encouraged to get vaccinated, including:

• Children under 4 years old
• Adults over 65 years old
• Pregnant women
• Individuals with chronic health conditions, such as asthma, heart disease, kidney or liver disorders, neurological or hematologic conditions, and metabolic disorders like diabetes

Who Should Not Get Vaccinated?

Most people can safely receive a flu vaccine, but certain groups should avoid vaccination:

• Children under 6 months old.
• Individuals with severe allergies to flu vaccine ingredients (e.g., gelatin, antibiotics).
• People who have had a serious allergic reaction to a previous flu vaccine.

Vaccination among healthy individuals also helps protect those who cannot be vaccinated.

Which Vaccine is Right for Me?

Several types of flu vaccines are available. Your choice may depend on your age, health status, and allergy considerations:

1. Inactivated Influenza Vaccine (IIV)

   • The most common flu shot
   • Contains killed virus and is given as an injection
   • Approved for individuals 6 months and older

2. Recombinant Influenza Vaccine (RIV)

   • Made using synthetic, lab-grown virus proteins, without eggs
   • Approved for individuals 18 and older
   • Preferred for adults over 65 due to higher effectiveness
   • Safe for people with severe egg allergies

3. Live Attenuated Influenza Vaccine (LAIV)

   • Commonly called the nasal spray vaccine
   • Contains a weakened live virus and is inhaled
   • Not recommended for pregnant women, children under 2, adults over 50, or those with weakened immune systems or asthma

To determine the best option for you, consult a pharmacist or healthcare provider.

Speak With a Kent Island Pharmacist at Chesapeake Rx About Getting the Flu Shot

Flu shots are available to protect you and your loved ones. To learn more, talk to a Kent Island pharmacist at Chesapeake Rx. Call 443-249-3134 or contact us online today. Located in Stevensville, Maryland, we serve patients in Chester and Kent Island.