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Flu Vaccination and Prevention

decorative: get your flu vaccination

No one likes getting sick.

And the flu virus changes every year. So, getting a yearly vaccine helps protect yourself and those around you. Plus, it’s available at no cost to you. And getting your flu vaccine may actually earn you rewards.

The flu vaccine is a good idea for just about everyone. But some people are at an even higher risk of health problems from the flu:
 

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Pregnant Moms

Pregnancy can put you at higher risk for getting the flu and put your unborn baby at risk too. Getting a flu shot can help protect you and your baby.
 

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Children and Families

Young children have a higher risk of health problems from the flu. Children should get their first flu vaccine starting at six months old. Children may need two doses during their first flu season. Everyone else needs only one dose each flu season. Check with your doctor about dose recommendations.
 

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People with a Chronic Condition or Caregivers

The flu can make chronic health problems worse. Those conditions can include diabetes, asthma, or heart disease. Flu vaccines are the best protection from flu and potentially serious complications.
 

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Seniors or Those Who Care for Them

Our immune systems weaken with age. People age 65 and older are at a higher risk for health issues from the flu. If you’re a senior or live with seniors, a flu shot will help protect you all.
 

 

Common Questions About the Flu

Find a doctor or pharmacy near you to get your flu shot.

The flu is a contagious respiratory illness caused by the flu viruses that infect the nose, throat and sometimes lungs. It can cause mild to severe illness. At times it can lead to death. 

  • Flu viruses are always changing. Scientists predict which virus will be most common each year. Flu vaccines change each flu season to make them work as well as possible.
  • Protection from the flu vaccine gets weaker over time. That’s why a yearly flu vaccine is needed to keep you from getting sick.
     

No. According to the CDC, “flu vaccines either contain inactivated flu viruses, meaning the viruses are no longer infectious, or a particle designed to look like a flu virus to your immune system. While the nasal spray does contain a live virus, the viruses are changed so that they cannot give you the flu.” That means getting a flu vaccine cannot give you the flu. But it can reduce your chances of catching the flu or getting very ill from the flu.

  • You should get a flu vaccine before the flu starts spreading where you live. Fall is the best time to get your yearly shot. Doctors recommend getting your vaccine by the end of October if possible. But it is important to get the flu shot no matter the month.
  • You can get your flu vaccine in many doctor’s offices. You can also get it in pharmacies, clinics, and health centers. Vaccines may also be offered at schools or your workplace.
     

The flu is different from a cold. The flu usually comes on suddenly. People who have the flu often feel some or all of these symptoms:

  • Fever* or feeling feverish/chills.
  • Cough.
  • Sore throat.
  • Runny or stuffy nose.
  • Muscle or body aches.
  • Headaches.
  • Fatigue or tiredness.
  • Some people may have vomiting and diarrhea. This is more common in children than adults.

*It is important to note that not everyone with the flu will have a fever.
 

Visit your doctor or urgent care or call the Iowa Total Care nurse advice line at 1-833-404-1061 (TTY: 711) with questions. Unless you have a very high fever or trouble breathing, you should not need to go to the emergency room for the flu.

Get your flu shot!

  • Getting a flu vaccine is the best way to prevent the flu.
    Flu shots are most important for people at high risk and their close contacts. These people include:
    • Children
    • Pregnant women
    • People with chronic health conditions such as heart disease, asthma, etc.
    • People age 50 and older
  • Complications of the flu can include pneumonia. The following people should get the pneumonia vaccine: 
    • Adults 65 and older.
    • People who have a chronic illness or have a weakened immune system.
    • People who live in a nursing home. 

This vaccine protects against a bacteria which causes pneumonia as well as meningitis and bloodstream infections. This can be given at the same time as the flu shot if needed.

Keep your hands clean!

  • Wash your hands with soap and water.
  • Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when you cough or sneeze.
  • Don’t touch your eyes, nose or mouth. This is how germs can spread.

Be a hero!

  • If you get the flu, try and stay away from others.
  • If you care for others who are at high risk, such as young children or older parents, get a flu shot.
  • Take antiviral drugs to treat the flu.

Will you be pregnant this flu season?
Doctors recommend that you get a flu shot. Your risk of illness is 4 to 5 higher when pregnant. Stay healthy during your pregnancy. Get vaccinated