Now is the time to get vaccinated as flu viruses typically begin circulating in October and November and it can take 2 weeks to develop protection after receiving the vaccine, according to Dr. Cara M. Christ, Director for the Arizona Department of Health Services.
Christ says that last flu season was difficult because the “influenza A (H3) strain in the vaccine did not match the circulating A (H3) strain that was making most people sick.” According to Christ, the CDC believes the strains in the vaccine this season “will be a good match against the currently circulating strains and provide better protection.”
Christ reports in her advisory that while the “flu vaccine is usually 50 to 60 percent effective, it is still the best way to fight the flu. Even if you do get the flu, getting the vaccine can make your illness milder and reduce the risk of serious outcomes, such as hospitalizations.”
Several types of flu vaccine available including shots, intradermal shots and nasal sprays are available this season. Christ also notes that the vaccine also comes in two different forms: trivalent (protection against 3 virus strains) and quadrivalent (protection against four virus strains).
CDC is encouraging anyone over the age 6 months to get vaccinated.