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Influenza & Vaccination

Seasonal epidemics of influenza occur every year in the United States, beginning in the fall. Typically, the epidemics cause about 36,000 deaths and 200,000 hospitalizations. Since the 1940's, a vaccine has been available to prevent influenza; unfortunately, the vaccine is not used as much as it should be. To prevent the hospitalizations and deaths caused every year by influenza virus, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention is considering recommending that all U.S. Citizens receive the influenza vaccine.

There are two types of influenza vaccine: An inactivated (killed) vaccine, given as a shot, has been used in the United States for many years. A live, weakened vaccine was licensed in 2003. It is sprayed into the nostrils. Influenza viruses are constantly changing. Therefore, influenza vaccines are updated every year, and an annual vaccination is recommended. For most people influenza vaccine prevents serious illness caused by the influenza virus. It will not prevent “influenza-like” illnesses caused by other viruses. It takes about 2 weeks for protection to develop after the shot, and protection can last up to a year. Inactivated influenza vaccine may be given at the same time as other vaccines, including pneumococcal vaccine.

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