Flu Vaccine 2014-1015: Getting the Facts

It’s not too late to get a flu vaccine at CareSpot! While the CDC has reported that the current virus has mutated, they are still recommending continued influenza vaccination as the best defense against flu. What does a mutated strain (or “drift variant”) mean for you?

From the CDC:

“This means the vaccine’s ability to protect against those viruses may be reduced, although vaccinated people may have a milder illness if they do become infected. During the 2007-2008 flu season, the predominant H3N2 virus was a drift variant yet the vaccine had an overall efficacy of 37 percent and 42 percent against H3N2 viruses.

 … ‘It’s too early to say for sure that this will be a severe flu season, but Americans should be prepared,’ said CDC director Tom Frieden, M.D., M.P.H. ‘We can save lives with a three-pronged effort to fight the flu: vaccination, prompt treatment for people at high risk of complications, and preventive health measures, such as staying home when you’re sick, to reduce flu spread.’

 … ‘While the vaccine’s ability to protect against drifted H3N2 viruses this season may be reduced, we are still strongly recommending vaccination,” said Joseph Bresee, M.D., Chief of the Influenza Epidemiology and Prevention Branch at CDC. ‘Vaccination has been found to provide some protection against drifted viruses in past seasons. Also, vaccination will offer protection against other flu viruses that may become more common later in the season.’ “

CareSpot offers extended hours for prompt treatment, vaccinations, as well as many other urgent care and health check needs, including lab testing and X-rays on site. Find your closest location here: simply walk in at your convenience, or use online tools to save a spot or make an appointment in advance.