F.A.Q.
What is influenza?
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention says the flu is a "contagious respiratory illness caused by influenza viruses that infect the nose, throat, and sometimes the lungs. It can cause mild to severe illness, and at times can lead to death."
Some symptoms include: fever, cough, sore throat, runny or stuffy nose, muscle or body aches, headache, fatigue
Why should I get the flu vaccination?
According to the CDC, it's likely that the flu virus and coronavirus will both spread this fall and winter. Healthcare systems may become overwhelmed treating patients with both viruses, so getting the flu vaccination during the 2020-2021 flu season is more important than ever.
Getting the flu vaccination will not protect against coronavirus, but the flu vaccination provides its own benefits such as:
1. The vaccination can reduce the risk of the flu illness, hospitalization, or death and it can also save healthcare resources to care for other patients.
2. Getting the flu vaccination provides herd immunity for those in our community who are not able to get the vaccination.
3. It is an important preventative tool for people with chronic conditions.
4. It can be lifesaving in children.
5. It can keep you from getting sick.
When is the flu season?
According to the CDC, flu season occurs in the fall and winter. The flu virus can circulate year-round, but flu peaks from December to February but can last as late as May.
When should I get the flu shot?
The CDC says you should get vaccinated before the flu virus begins to spread in the community since it can take your body up to two weeks to build antibodies. You should make plans to get vaccinated early in the fall, but the CDC recommends that people have the vaccinations by the end of October.
Getting vaccinated too early, such as July or August is likely to be associated with reduced protection against the flu infection later in the flu season.
Who should get the flu vaccination?
Everyone 6 months or older should be vaccinated for the flu. It is highly recommended for people at high risk for complications from the flu.
Where can I get the flu shot?
Hy-Vee drive-thru
The Hy-vee drive-thru flu shot is offered until October 31 3 days throughout the week. No appointment is necessary.
Monday: 7am-11am
Thursday: 3pm-7pm
Saturday- 10am- 2pm
Hy-Vee Pharmacy
Flu shots are available at all Hy-Vee pharmacy locations without an appointment.
Walgreens
Flu shots are available at all Walgreens pharmacies. They are only available during pharmacy hours and no appointment is necessary.
Truman State University Health Center
Flu shots are available at the University Health Center between the hours of 8 am-5 pm, Monday-Friday. An appointment is necessary.
Complete family medicine
Flu shots are available upon appointment or walk-in, understanding there will be a wait time.
Adair County Health Department
Drive-thru flu shots while supplies last.
Can the vaccination cause me to get the flu?
No, the flu vaccination cannot give you the flu. Mayo Clinic says you may develop flu-like symptoms even if you got the flu shot for a variety of reasons such as reaction to the vaccination, it takes about two weeks for the flu shot to take full effect, the virus used for the vaccination may not be the virus that is circulating, or you can catch another illness similar to the flu with similar symptoms.
If I got the flu shot last year do I need to get it this year?
According to the CDC, a flu vaccine is needed every season of the flu for two reasons.
1. A person's immune protection from the vaccination declines over time, so the annual vaccination gives you optimal protection.
2. The flu virus is constantly changing, so flu vaccinations may be updated from season to season to protect against the virus that research projected will be the most common in the upcoming flu season.
How effective is the flu shot?
According to the CDC, recent studies show that flu vaccination reduces the risk of flu illness by 40%-60% among the overall population. Current flu vaccinations tend to work better against influenza B and influenza A (H1N1) and offer lower protection for influenza A (H3N2).
Should I still get the flu shot with COVID-19 around?
Yes. It is likely that the flu and COVID-19 will spread at the same time, so getting the flu shot for the 2020-2021 flu season is more important than ever. Getting the flu shot will help create herd immunity in the community, and it will help protect you from getting the flu.
Although the flu shot will not protect you against COVID-19 it will help reduce the spread of both viruses and help reduce the burden on the healthcare system.
How else can I prevent the flu other than the flu vaccination?
1. Eat healthy foods
2. Wear a mask
3. Keep your distance from people
4. Wash your hands regularly
5. Get enough sleep
6. Avoid people who are sick
7. Cover your mouth when you cough or sneeze
8. Stay home if you are sick
9. Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth
10. Practice proper hygiene
How is the flu vaccine made?
According to the U.S Food and Drug Administration, there are three different influenza vaccination production technologies that have been approved: egg-based flu vaccine, cell-based flu vaccine, and recombinant flu vaccine.
Egg-based flu vaccine
According to the CDC, the most common way flu vaccines are made is by using an egg-based manufacturing process. The flu containing the virus is harvested from the eggs.