Ask the Doctor with Dr. Jeanelle Murphy

Every month we will pose a question to Dr. Jeanelle Murphy of Christie Clinic in St. Joseph.

This month we asked her if it is still worthwhile to get the flu shot and what are the benefits.

It is best to get vaccinated for influenza (flu) early in the season, before the flu virus begins to circulate in the community. It is recommended that everyone 6 months of age and older be vaccinated by the end of October. The flu vaccine should not be given earlier than September because the vaccine effectiveness may wear off by the latter part of the flu season if given too early.

 It takes about 2 weeks to develop immunity to the flu after being vaccinated which is why it is important to be vaccinated before the flu virus is circulating.  Children under the age of 9 years who are receiving their first flu vaccine require two doses one month apart to have adequate protection against the flu, so it’s best to start the vaccine process as early as possible in September or early October for children especially.

The benefits of the flu vaccine are: reduced flu illnesses, reduced doctor’s visits, less missed work and school due to the flu and the vaccine helps prevent flu related hospitalizations. The flu vaccine is especially important for children as it significantly decreases the chance of a child dying from the flu.

Anyone can safely receive the flu vaccine, even someone allergic to eggs. The flu vaccine does not cause the flu since it is a dead virus however some people do develop mild flu like symptoms as the body produces an immune response to the vaccine.

Overall the flu vaccine is well tolerated and it is beneficial to receive the flu vaccine even late in the flu season.