Flu Prevention and Vaccine Information

Flu vaccine information

Vaccination is not the only way to help prevent the flu

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Flu vaccine information

The most important thing you can do to avoid getting the flu this winter (and missing out on a week of whatever you had planned) is to get a flu shot this fall.

Who should get a flu shot?

In general, anyone who wants to reduce the chance of getting the flu can get vaccinated.

The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the American College Health Association recommend that students and staff at colleges and universities (especially those who share close quarters) consider getting flu vaccine.

Others who should get the vaccine each year include:

• adults aged 50 years and older
• persons aged 2–64 years with underlying chronic medical conditions
• all women who will be pregnant during the influenza season
• residents of nursing homes and long-term care facilities
• children aged 6 months–18 years on chronic aspirin therapy
• health-care workers involved in direct patient care
• out-of-home caregivers and household contacts of children aged <6 months
• people who can transmit flu to others at high risk for complications

Review information from the CDC about influenza, flu vaccination, and the vaccine itself (pdf).

Side effects

In spite of rumors to the contrary, getting a flu vaccine does not give you the flu. Your arm and/or body may ache a little for a day or two, but it shouldn't set you back on your study, work, or fun! And you'll have an extra measure of protection all winter long.

Vaccination is not the only way to help prevent the flu

With or without being vaccinated, it's important to know that you can take steps to protect your health and reduce your chances of getting the flu (and other illnesses) this fall and winter.

The flu (influenza) is highly contagious and spreads by contact with the oral and nasal secretions of others who have been infected. (Learn more about the flu.) So please: follow the advice you've probably heard all your life about what you need to do to stay healthy.

• Wash your hands.
• Don't share eating and drinking utensils, lip balms, etc.
• Avoid close contact with people who are sick. When you are sick, keep your distance from others to protect them from getting sick too.
• Stay home from classes, work, social gatherings, errands, and non-essential activity when you are sick.
• Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue when coughing or sneezing to keep those around you from getting your germs.
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose, or mouth. Germs are often spread when a person touches something that is contaminated with germs and then touches her or his eyes, nose, or mouth.
• Take care of your immune system by eating well, getting plenty of sleep, engaging in physical activity, and managing stress.
• And (can we say it one more time?) wash your hands...OFTEN!

The CDC (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention) offers these additional tips:

• "Stopping germs at home, work, and school"
• "Cover your cough"