12 Things You Need to Know about the Flu Vaccine

With flu season in full swing, there are plenty of reasons you should consider getting the flu vaccine. Donna-Marie McMahon (D.O. '87), assistant professor and director of the Doctor Patient Continuum in NYITCOM, explains.

The Box: Is there an ideal time to get a flu vaccine?
McMahon: Every year the New York State Department of Health issues specific flu information depending on your region. Flu vaccines are usually available in September of each year.

The Box: How long is the vaccine good for?
McMahon: At least 6 months.

The Box: Are there multiple strains of flu in a single vaccine?
McMahon: Each year the flu vaccine is made using the strains that scientists predict may emerge based on last year's data. Four strains typically comprise the vaccine.

The Box: Are there different types of flu vaccines?
McMahon: Yes, there are two types. There's a live, attenuated vaccine in the form of a nasal spray. This is the strongest flu vaccine you can get. It's for people ages 2 to 49. If you have asthma or another immune disease, this version may not be for you. There's an increased risk of side effects with the nasal vaccine.

There's also an inactivated flu vaccine in the form of shot. This type is currently available at the NYIT Academic Health Care Center.

The Box: How long does the flu vaccine take to go into effect?
McMahon: Approximately two weeks.

The Box: Are there side effects?
McMahon: You may experience side effects for a few days. Side effects can mimic upper respiratory illnesses. You may get a low-grade fever after receiving the live, attenuated flu vaccine. If you get the shot type of the vaccine, you may experience headaches and body aches. These signs don't mean you have the flu. If you come down with the full-fledged flu shortly after you get the shot, it's most likely because the virus incubated in your body before the shot became effective.

The Box: Who should get the flu vaccine?
McMahon: Anyone six months and older. Children younger than nine years old require a booster the first year they're vaccinated.

The Box: Who should not get the flu vaccine?
McMahon: People with severe egg allergies (a portion of the vaccine is made of egg protein) and those with a history of Guillain-Barré Syndrome. Talk to a doctor about your options.

The Box: Does the flu vaccine prevent you from getting the flu entirely?
McMahon: No. The effectiveness of the vaccine varies each year.

The Box: Do any medications interact with the flu vaccine?
McMahon: No.

The Box: Can women who are pregnant or thinking of getting pregnant get the flu vaccine?
McMahon: Yes, these women should get the vaccine shot but avoid the live, attenuated nasal spray.

The Box: What about women who are breastfeeding?
McMahon: Both forms of the flu vaccine are recommended for them.

For more information about the flu vaccine, visit the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention website.

Flu shots are available at NYIT's Academic Health Care Center in Old Westbury or Family Health Care Center in Central Islip, N.Y. Appointments are recommended from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., but walk-ins are also welcome between these times. Most insurance plans are accepted (no copays). To make an appointment, call 516.686.1300 (Old Westbury) or 631.348.3254 (Central Islip).