Question 1

would it still be effective to take the flu vaccine for this season?

Accepted Answer

Yes: According to the South African National Institute for Communicable Diseases, the flu season in South Africa occurs anywhere between the beginning of April and the end of July. Now is a great time to protect yourself against influenza. Hope this helps!

Source: file:///Users/jacobott/Downloads/influenza%20information%202017.pdf

Question 2

how expensive is the flu vaccine?

Accepted Answer

Varies by Location: If you have insurance it is covered by most insurance without any copay and is available at most drug stores like CVS/WALGREN and others.Also available at your doctor' office
If you have no insurance it may cost you approx. 25 to 30 dollars in NJ.Price may vary in other states

Question 3

what are the proven advantages of the flu vaccine?

Accepted Answer

It saves lives: Flu vaccine is made of either an inactivated virus (injection) or and attenuated virus (intranasal). None of the 2 forms can give you a disease that would be more severe than if you were to catch the flu itself.  Flu can kill you. The vaccine will protect you and the people around you.

Question 4

is it going to be mandatory that everyone be given the flu vaccine?

Accepted Answer

Not likely: Vaccinations are not mandatory and except in a national emergency, government is not likely to mandate vaccination.

Question 5

what are the negatives, if any, of getting the flu vaccine?

Accepted Answer

Hardly any: Flu vaccine is very safe. Vast majority of people will have nothing worse than a slightly sore upper arm. Even if you get the flu later in the season it's likely to be mild. It's recommended for nearly everyone.Pregnant women are strongly encouraged to get the flu shot because they are more susceptible to complications including death. People who have chronic conditions should get it too.

Question 6

should someone taking prednisone have the flu vaccine?

Accepted Answer

Yes: The flu vaccine is recommended for everyone.

Question 7

does the flu shot an other vaccines increase histamine levels in the body?

Accepted Answer

Flu shot: Though rare, one can develop an allergic reaction to a vaccine which causes high levels of histamine. Typically, histamine levels remain low or minimally increased after receiving a vaccine.

Question 8

if flu shot vaccines are created from last year's flu, how can it protect against a different stem of the flu?

Accepted Answer

There are 3 strains: Every year a bunch of experts meet and decide what strains to put in the flu vaccine for the next season. They usually put in 3 different types, almost always one from the preceding year, and then two others that they decide on based on many factors. There is talk that they may start trying to use 5 strains in the next few years. Anyway, you should get a flu shot every year!

Question 9

my daughter is due for her second dose of the flu shot but also do for her 12 minth shots as well how far apart should she get her vaccines?

Accepted Answer

Together: It is fine for these to be given on the same day at the same time.

Question 10

how does the flu vaccine work?

Accepted Answer

Antibodies: It is recognized as foreign by the human body and antibodies are made against it which later attack the flu virus itself if contracted and help the immune system fight back.

Get Virtual Care

For Businesses

About Us

HealthTap Online Primary Care Doctors Accepting New Patients

Doctor answers about:

How long is the flu vaccine effective

A member asked:

Would it still be effective to take the flu vaccine for this season?

A member asked:

How expensive is the flu vaccine?

A member asked:

What are the proven advantages of the flu vaccine?

A member asked:

Is it going to be mandatory that everyone be given the flu vaccine?

A member asked:

What are the negatives, if any, of getting the flu vaccine?

A member asked:

Should someone taking prednisone have the flu vaccine?

A member asked:

Does the flu shot an other vaccines increase histamine levels in the body?

A member asked:

If flu shot vaccines are created from last year's flu, how can it protect against a different stem of the flu?

A member asked:

My daughter is due for her second dose of the flu shot but also do for her 12 minth shots as well how far apart should she get her vaccines?

A member asked:

How does the flu vaccine work?

HealthTap Online Primary Care Doctors Accepting New Patients

Telemedicine

Primary Care

Manage Your Conditions

Women's Health

Children's Health

Men's Health

Senior Health

Wellness, Prevention & Lifestyle

Sexual Health

Mental & Behavioral Health

Travel Medicine

Urgent Care

Didn't find what you're looking for?

More of what we treat

Allergies

Antibiotics

Asthma

High Blood Pressure

Prescriptions

Type 2 Diabetes

For Businesses

Company

Health Content

Join Us

Download HealthTap

Questions?