Is a flu shot in the cards for you this year?

October 15, 2012 By

DEAR DR. GOTT: When I went to visit my doctor last week, he suggested rather strongly that I get a flu shot. Well, I got one last winter and we had a mild season. I didn’t really feel it was necessary to get one then and I’m unsure about getting one this year, too. What’s you opinion?

DEAR READER: Every fall, every case of flu, and every individual is different. And, as we age, our bodies react differently than they have in the past. The flu season can begin as early as October and can last as late as May. During this seven month period, influenza viruses circulate around us. Sometimes we are healthy enough and have strong enough immune systems to bypass the virus, while at other times, we aren’t. Like so many things in life and pardon the expression, it’s a crapshoot.
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Facing flu immunization

September 24, 2011 By

DEAR DR. GOTT: What can you tell me about the newest flu virus we should be immunized for? I live in a senior community where viruses seem to run rampant, and I want to take every precaution I can to keep from getting the flu.

DEAR READER: The flu “shot” is an inactivated vaccine given with a needle, ordinarily in the arm. It is commonly approved for anyone older than 6 months of age, including those people with chronic medical conditions. Individuals 65 and older may choose to receive a high-dose shot, and those between the ages of 18 and 64 may prefer the intradermal shot; however, the standard vaccine is still the norm. There’s also a nasal spray, but I will stick with the basics for this report.
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Are two flu shots appropriate?

November 11, 2010 By

DEAR DR. GOTT: We had the H1N1 flu shot at our doctor’s office earlier this year. Now we see H1N1 is in the flu shot for this coming season. Is it safe to take it again? Or should we try and get the single flu shot if possible?

DEAR READER: To my knowledge, there is no single flu shot, so I believe it is appropriate for you to receive a seasonal-flu injection. My reasoning is that seasonal flu covers different strains that you wouldn’t be immunized against if you didn’t have the 2010 injection. What you received earlier this year was specifically for H1N1. To be on the safe side and because I don’t know your age, allergies or health history, you should clear this with your primary-care physician before being immunized.
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Flu shot recommendations

September 19, 2010 By

DEAR DR. GOTT: With flu season just around the corner, I wonder what the recommendation is this year for getting a shot. With three young children to care for, I cannot afford to be sick, but I really hate to subject my body to unnecessary shots if I don’t need them.

DEAR READER: It’s rather fortuitous that your inquiry reached me today — the same time I received a statement from the Department of Health and Human Services on this very subject.
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