Flu Vaccine

Influenza (also known as the flu) is an infectious disease of the respiratory tract caused by a virus. It causes 36,000 deaths annually, 90% of which are in those over age 65. It generally lasts 3-7 days and is characterized by fever, cough, chills, sore throat, and muscle aches. It is sometimes accompanied by pneumonia, which makes it especially dangerous for the elderly. The influenza vaccine has been proven to be 70-90% effective against most types of influenza.

What is the best time for my loved one in the nursing home to receive the flu vaccine?

When possible, all residents and employees should receive vaccination annually at approximately the same time, unless contraindicated. The optimal timing is from mid-October to mid-November. It generally takes 4-6 weeks for antibodies to form and immunity generally lasts 6 months, which is why the vaccine is administered annually.

Do nursing home staff members who take care of my loved one receive the influenza vaccine?

The influenza vaccine should be offered to employees who care for nursing home residents and is strongly encouraged. Sadly, only one out of every three health care workers is immunized against influenza. This is sometimes due to refusal, and sometimes due to it not being offered to them. This means two out of every three health care workers can transmit a potentially lethal illness to your loved one!

Can the intranasal flu vaccine be given to my loved instead of the injection?

No, the live intranasal flu vaccine is indicated only for persons ages 5-49 and is contraindicated in the elderly population.

Who should not be vaccinated against the flu?

• Persons known to have allergic reactions to eggs or to other components of the vaccine.
• Adults with acute febrile illnesses usually should not be vaccinated until their symptoms have resolved. The vaccine can be given during periods of minor illnesses without fever.

What are the potential side effects of the flu vaccine?

It is a myth that the flu vaccine can cause the flu because the vaccine contains only noninfectious viruses. Respiratory illness after vaccination is a coincidence. The most common side effect of vaccination is soreness at the injection site that lasts for up to two days. Other side effects include fever, tiredness, and muscle aches. Such side effects may begin 6-12 hours after vaccination and persists for 2 or 3 days.

A dangerous, rare allergic reaction may occur to the flu vaccine if the person is sensitive to egg protein or to Thimerosol, a component of the vaccine. Symptoms of such reaction include hives, swelling of the lips, and breathing problems.

Can other vaccines be administered at the same time as the influenza vaccine?

Yes, the pneumococcal vaccine and influenza vaccine may be safely administered at the same time (by separate injection in the other arm). Tetanus-diphtheria-toxoid booster also may be administered concurrently with other vaccines.

Resources

Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS)/Centers for Disease Control (CDC).

Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS). National Immunization Program. Recommendations: Adult Immunization Schedule.

Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS)/Centers for Disease Control (CDC). Recommended Adult Immunization Schedule, United States, October 2006-September 2007.