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The best time to get ahead of the flu? October through May.

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Influenza, or the flu, is a highly contagious virus that affects the lungs. It can start out mild but could get severe and lead to hospitalization. That's why vaccination is so important. Vaccination in September and October is recommended.

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Here’s what to know about the vaccine.

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What is it?

A vaccine updated yearly

Because viruses are constantly changing, scientists study global data to predict which types may spread each year. Using this data, the flu shot is updated yearly to help protect against the types of flu that scientists think will be most common.

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Who’s it for?

Age 65+

If you’re age 65+ and have certain chronic conditions like asthma, diabetes, heart disease, or kidney disease, you’re at higher risk of developing severe flu.

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Possible side effects?

Soreness

Fever

Headache

Side effects can include soreness, redness, swelling where you got the shot, low fever, muscle aches, and headache. They can usually clear up on their own in a few days.

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If you want to learn more, take a look at this.

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Updated

Why flu season happens and how to help protect yourself

Learn why flu season peaks in colder months, who’s most at risk, and why getting a yearly flu shot is important to help protect yourself.

6 min read

Read now

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Let’s make sure your vaccines are up to date.

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Scheduling

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Eligibility

See which vaccines you may be eligible for. Just enter your age and answer a few questions.

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The CDC suggests getting vaccinated when vaccines are approved and available in the US—before flu season’s typical peak in winter.

January 10, 2024

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Test your knowledge

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Flu vaccines can help protect against multiple types of the flu virus.

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Source: CDC

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True

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That's correct!

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In the United States, flu vaccines protect against three different types of influenza virus: two strains of Influenza A and one strain of Influenza B.

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It’s actually true!

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In the United States, flu vaccines protect against three different types of influenza virus: two strains of Influenza A and one strain of Influenza B.

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Still have questions?

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How many types of flu viruses are there?

There are four types of flu viruses: A, B, C, and D. The viruses that cause seasonal flu are A and B, which usually show up during fall and winter.

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Can I get the flu from a flu vaccine?

No, you cannot. Flu vaccines are made from killed (inactivated) viruses or proteins, so they can't infect you.

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What are the side effects of flu vaccines?

Although most people have no issues with the annual flu vaccine, side effects can include soreness, redness, swelling where you got the shot, low fever, muscle aches, and headache. Side effects can clear up on their own—in just a few days.

Recommended What to know about vaccine side effects 6 min read https://pfizerforallcomna-main-page.web.pfizer/vaccines/education/vaccine-side-effects

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Do certain conditions put me at higher risk for flu complications?

If you’re 65+ and have certain chronic conditions like asthma, diabetes, or heart or kidney disease, you’re at higher risk of getting severe flu.

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When’s a good time to get a flu vaccine?

It is recommended that you get a flu vaccine during the months of September and October, but you can get vaccinated anytime during the flu season, which typically runs from October to May.

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