ATLANTA ,GA– Flu vaccines prevent millions of illnesses and flu-related doctor’s visits each year. Seasonal flu vaccines are designed to protect against the three flu viruses that research indicates will be most common during the upcoming season. During seasons when flu vaccines are similar to circulating flu viruses, a flu vaccine can reduce the risk of having to go to the doctor with flu by 40% to 60%. For people who get vaccinated but still get sick, flu vaccine has been shown to reduce severity of illness.
Everyone 6 months and older, with rare exception, should get a flu vaccine every season. Vaccination is particularly important for people who are at higher risk of serious complications from flu.
Ideally, people should get vaccinated by the end of October. Most health insurance plans cover an annual flu vaccine as preventive care. Flu vaccination is often available at no or low cost to people who do not have insurance.
Key points
- Flu is a contagious respiratory illness caused by influenza viruses
- Flu can cause mild to severe illness
- Most experts believe that flu viruses spread mainly by tiny droplets made when people with flu cough, sneeze, or talk
- The first and most important step in preventing flu is to get a flu vaccine each year.
Media Release/Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
