With the flu season in full swing, you might be wondering whether you should get vaccines for you and your family. If you already had the flu shot last year, or you’ve never had one and have managed to avoid the virus, you may be thinking it’s not that important. Here’s what you need to know.

Why the Flu Shot is Beneficial 

1. Flu Prevention

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, flu vaccines reduce your risk of illness from the flu by about 40 to 60%. Since the vaccine is typically covered by health insurance or administered at a pharmacy or clinic at a low cost, it’s financially beneficial to get the shot. Taking into account the lost time and money that may occur if you have to miss work for the flu, it’s worth your investment.

2. Protecting Others

If you get the flu, you might be able to get back on your feet quickly. But for older adults, infants, and people with respiratory illnesses—such as asthma—the flu can be debilitating or deadly. When you protect yourself, you protect others from a potentially dangerous virus.

3. Reducing Symptom Severity

You can still get the flu if you’ve had the vaccine, but it can reduce the severity of your symptoms. Having the vaccine can mean the difference between being sick for days as opposed to weeks. Severe flu symptoms can also lead to hospitalization.

4. New Strains Each Year

Even if you had the vaccine last year, you should get another one this year. The virus is different each year, so the vaccine is updated to protect you against the latest strains. Get your shot each year for maximum protection.

5. Needle-Free Options

Fear of needles? No problem. Flu vaccines are available as a nasal spray for adults, although this is not recommended for children. The jet injector is another needle-free option that allows the vaccine to penetrate the skin via a high-pressure stream of fluid.  

Columbia Hickory Pharmacy in Columbia, MD, can you with personalized and attentive customer care. This pharmacy has the prescription and over-the-counter medications you need to manage everything from headaches to high blood pressure, and they also carry an array of medical supplies. Their pharmacists are on-hand to discuss your concerns, help you understand your medications, or administer flu vaccines. Call (410) 964-6409 to schedule a flu shot appointment or visit their website for a list of their services.