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Will the flu shot give me the flu?NO The flu shot cannot give you the flu because the vaccine is a solution of an inactivated virus. The vaccine helps you develop immunity to the flu by imitating an infection.
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Should I still get a flu shot if I never get sick?YES The flu shot doesn’t just protect you from getting the flu — it also protects those around you. Not everyone has a strong enough immune system to receive the flu shot, such as the very old or young.
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Do I need a flu shot this year if I got one last flu season?Health experts recommend getting a flu shot every year. The vaccine is developed specifically for the virus strains predicted to circulate during the upcoming flu season, not the past ones.
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Should I wait to get my flu shot until there are cases in my area?NO Your body needs about two weeks after you get the flu shot to make the antibodies that will protect you against the flu. Get your flu vaccine so you are covered before flu viruses begin to circulate — not after.
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Am I more likely to get Alzheimer's Disease if I get a flu shot?NO Recent studies have indicated that flu and pneumonia vaccines may actually protect people from Alzheimer’s, possibly contributing to the protection of memory, cognition, and overall brain health.
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Will antibiotics help me treat the flu?NO Antibiotics are only needed for treating certain infections caused by bacteria. Viral illnesses, including influenza, cannot be treated with antibiotics; taking antibiotics can cause both minor and major side effects.
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Will two flu shots give me more protection than one shot would?NO In adults, studies have not shown a benefit from getting more than one dose during the same influenza season, even among those with weakened immune systems. Except for children getting vaccinated for the first time, only one dose is recommended each season.
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Is the flu shot safe to get if I am pregnant?YES Getting the flu shot is safe during all trimesters of the pregnancy and can pass antibodies along to the baby while protecting the mother. These antibodies can continue to protect the baby several months after birth.
Ready to get your flu shot?
Who Should Get a Flu Shot?
Seniors
Older adults are more likely to contract the flu virus and to have serious flu-related complications.
There are many different flu vaccines available, including High Dose vaccine tailored to adults 65 years and older. Talk to your Hometown Pharmacist for information on the different available formulations and help picking the one to best meet your needs.
Children
Children are more likely to have flu-related complications if they catch the flu virus. The CDC recommends all children 6 months and up receive a flu vaccination.
Hometown Pharmacy offers walk-in flu shots without a prescription for ages 7+
EVERYONE!
Who needs the flu shot? YOU DO! Yes, we're talking to YOU!
Even healthy people can get the flu or be a carrier to spread it to others. Flu vaccination not only protects the person receiving it, but it also protects their family, friends, and community by preventing the spread of the virus to others.
Protect yourself and the ones you love by getting your flu shot!