The single best way to protect against the flu is to get vaccinated each year.  There are two types of  flu vaccines:

The "flu shot" is an inactivated vaccine (containing dead virus) that is given with a needle, usually in the arm. The flu shot is approved for use in people older than 6 months, including healthy people and people with chronic medical conditions.  The nasal-spray flu vaccine is a vaccine made with live, weakened flu viruses that do not cause the flu (sometimes called LAIV for “Live Attenuated Influenza Vaccine”).  LAIV is approved for use in healthy people 5 years to 49 years of age who are not pregnant.

About 2 weeks after vaccination, antibodies that provide protection against influenza virus infection develop in the body.  Continue reading to learn about who should receive a flu shot, and where to get one in Marin.

Who Should Receive a Flu Shot?

In general, anyone who wants to reduce their chances of getting the flu can get vaccinated. However, certain people should get vaccinated every year. They are either people who are at high risk of having serious flu complications or people who live with or care for people at high risk. People who should be vaccinated each year are:

• Children aged 16 months to 19 years.
• Pregnant women.
• People 50 years of age and older.
• People of any age with certain chronic medical conditions.
• People who live in nursing homes and other long-term care facilities.
• People who live with or care for those at high risk for complications from flu, including:
  • Health care workers
  • Household contacts of persons at high risk for complications from the flu
  • Household contacts and out-of-home caregivers of children less than 6 months old.

Who Should Not Receive a Flu Shot?

There are some people who should not be vaccinated without first consulting a physician. These include:

• People who have a severe allergy to chicken eggs.
• People who have had a severe reaction to an influenza vaccination.
• People who developed Guillain-Barre syndrome (GBS) within 6 weeks of getting an influenza vaccine.
• Children less than 6 months of age.
• People who have a moderate-to-severe illness with a fever (they should wait until they recover to get vaccinated).

Where can I get a flu shot (or vaccine) in Marin?

Click here for the current, updated list of flu clinics and vaccine availability in Marin...