Six things to know about flu immunization

The best protection against COVID-19, RSV and influenza is immunization. As Asante’s deadline for employee flu vaccination approaches on Nov. 30, those still unsure of the vaccine’s safety will want to heed the following.

1. Vaccines promote antibody production. If you come into contact with the flu virus, your body will be better able to fight off the illness.
2. Annual vaccinations are designed to protect against the three or four flu virus strains expected to be the most common during the coming flu season.
3. Herd immunity is established when large portions of the population are vaccinated against an illness. This reduces the virus’s ability to spread and provides protection to vulnerable populations such as the young, elderly or those with chronic health conditions who may not be able to get the vaccine themselves.
4. The flu shot provided by Asante includes inactivated or dead virus strains.
5. It takes about two weeks for antibodies to fully develop. If you get the flu shot after the mask-on period is called, consider wearing a surgical mask for two weeks to best protect yourself and others.
6. You cannot get the flu from the vaccine. There are many different strains of flu, so you may get the flu from a strain that was not included in the vaccine. Antibodies produced by the strains of flu included in the vaccine may provide protection against strains not included in the flu, reducing the how sick you can get if exposed to another flu virus. Most people with egg allergies can get the vaccine. If this is a concern, discuss your options with a provider.

Employees can receive vaccinations at Asante Pharmacy and Asante Employee Health as well as retail outlets. COVID-19 boosters are available at APP clinics or your primary care provider.