The Flu: Why you should get vaccinated?

Influenza is a serious virus that can result in hospitalization or death. Thousands die from flu or related complications every year. The Flue vaccine is the most effective method of protection. The vaccine stimulates the creation of antibodies within approximately two weeks of administration. These antibodies provide protection against infection with the viruses that are used to make the vaccine. Vaccination protects against the viral variations research shows are likely to be most common during the upcoming season. The CDC recommends that everyone 6 months and older should get a flu shot with few exceptions. This is more important for anybody at elevated risk for serious flu complications, including the young, elderly, smokers, and people with compromised immune systems. Flu shots are commonly available anywhere healthcare is delivered or pharmacies, and are even provided by some employers and schools.
Get a flue shot every year. Immunity declines over time, and the flu variations expected each year are subject to change.
Vaccine effectiveness (VE) can vary from season to season “match” between the viruses used to produce vaccine and those in circulation, but even though VE varies, the flu shot prevents millions of illnesses and saves thousands of lives every year.
While influenza vaccine varies in how well it works, every season influenza vaccines prevent millions of influenza illnesses, tens of thousands of hospitalizations and thousands of deaths. While you may still get the flu, either due to exposure prior to vaccination, or to a poor match between the virus and the vaccine, studies show vaccinated individuals benefit from decreased severity, and reduced risk of hospitalization and death.

~~ Pete Dailey

source: CDC https://www.cdc.gov/flu/prevent/keyfacts.htm