getting-flu-shot-in-arm Fall is here, which means flu season is back again. The flu changes from year to year depending on the different strands of the virus that are most common. But one thing that remains true every flu season is that receiving an annual flu shot is the best way to help reduce your chances of catching the flu or getting seriously ill if you do happen to catch it. But with so much information (and misinformation) available online, we understand that it can be difficult to know for sure what is best for your health. This is why our healthcare providers here at Family Practice Center wanted to discuss a few things everyone should know about flu shots this fall.

Only Half of Eligible Adults Get The Shot Each Year

Despite the prevalence and seriousness of the flu, experts at the Centers for Disease Control & Prevention (CDC) estimate that only 49% of Americans over the age of 18 receive a flu shot each year. The goal is to increase this number closer to 70% over time, to help minimize the spread and seriousness of flu infections each season.

Certain Groups Are At Higher Risk

While we recommend yearly flu shots for all of our patients who are healthy enough to receive one, doing so is especially important for people with a higher risk of flu complications. This includes people aged 65 and older, anyone living in a nursing home or long-term care facility, young children, women who are pregnant or plan to be pregnant during flu season, or people in professions that involve being around higher numbers of people like healthcare providers or teaching professions.

The Sooner You Get It, The Better

While there may be no “bad” time to protect yourself from the flu, we recommend getting it as early as possible. Doing so will provide longer and more thorough protection as flu season extends past the end of the year and into February. If you miss the early window, there is still value in getting it later, but an early flu shot is definitely preferable.

Flu Shots Are Often Free of Charge

While this isn’t always the case, many health insurance plans include an annual flu vaccine as part of their complimentary annual wellness services. That means that there will often be no charge for patients who wish to get immunized during flu season. It’s important to confirm this with your healthcare provider, or ask when you make your appointment, to confirm the details of your specific healthcare coverage.

We hope that everyone reading this keeps these things in mind when considering whether or not they are planning to get a flu shot this year. For more information, or to schedule a flu shot or any other appointment at one of our now nine Atlanta area locations (including our newest locations in Buford and Braselton), contact Family Practice Center today.