The Benefits of the Flu Vaccine
This year, it is more important than ever to get your flu shot. It might seem obvious, but the number one benefit of getting a flu shot is to keep people from getting sick. During the 2017-2018 flu season, the flu vaccine prevented an estimated 6.2 million flu illnesses, 3.2 million flu medical visits, over 90,000 hospitalizations, and 5,700 deaths according to the CDC. That’s a big impact from a vaccine. If we didn’t have a flu vaccine, it is possible the number of positive flu-related cases would be much higher. We have a way to reduce flu-related illness and prevent flu-related deaths.
The CDC outlines the following benefits of flu vaccines:
- Can keep you from getting sick with the flu
- Reduces the risk of flu-associated hospitalization for children, adults, and elderly
- Preventative tool for people with chronic health conditions
- Protects women during and after pregnancy
- Reduces the severity of flu illness in those that still get sick
- Protects your family and loved ones
Who should get vaccinated?
Everyone 6 months of age and older should get a flu vaccine. There are age-appropriate vaccines for people 6 months, 18 and older, and those over 65 years old.
Who should not get vaccinated?
Children under 6 months are too young for a flu shot. People with flu vaccine allergies and those not feeling well should consult with their doctor before getting a flu shot.
View the full list of CDC vaccine benefits here. Learn more about who should get a vaccine here.