I have been told that people who are more vulnerable should get a second flu shot at some point during the flu season. Is this true? How is it determined who needs the booster?
Thanks for any help.
I can’t think that this would have any benefit at all unless there was a new strain detected, and a different vaccine was made available in the same season. Otherwise, your body should retain the anti-bodies to that particular strain pretty much indefinately, barring any immune disorders.
I’m considered “more vulnerable” and my doctors have always been content to have me get ONE flu shot a year. However, they do always check that my pneumonia shot is up-to-date, too. Pneumonia shots are good for about 10 years, I believe. And let me tell you, they are WELL worth it, I used to get pneumonia two or three times a year, and now I don’t get it at all.
However, this is all anecdotal evidence, and I am not in the medical profession. ASK your doctor if you need a second flu shot.
New strains of flu develop every year. That’s why we don’t get it once and are immune the rest of our lives like “childhood” diseases. If you are in a risk group, you need to get the shot every fall. Note that it takes several weeks to take effect, so getting a shot when the person in the next cubicle comes down with the flu is going to be way too late.
At risk groups include elderly, people with a history respiratory problems, people with weakened immune systems, etc. In fact, some people health experts urge that everybody should get one but the supply of vaccine is frequently not large enough (or not available in mass in time) for everyone to get one. (Exceptions are people allergic to such shots, etc.)