Facts about flu vaccinations

• the flu shot is an inactivated vaccine (containing killed virus) that is given annually and protects against three influenza viruses 
• everyone 6 months and older should get a flu vaccine each year 
• yearly flu vaccination should begin as soon as vaccine is available and continue throughout the influenza season, into December, January, and beyond 
• because immunity to flu can wane over time it is important to be vaccinated every year 
• needleless vaccination with the nasal-spray flu vaccine is an option for healthy people 2-49 years of age who are not pregnant
• the flu vaccine is 70-90% effective in giving immunity against the flu
• vaccination is the most effective way in preventing flu infection
• a flu shot cannot cause flu illness, the viruses contained in flu shots are inactivated (killed), which means thay cannot cause infection