From previous experience in HC, LTC, VA facilities and local health depts flu vaccines are available and widely distributed towards the middle to end of Oct. Most flu vaccines provide protection for 6 months, taking 2 weeks to become effective and protection decreasing with time. The goal to provide protection thru March or early April. Giving the vaccine late Oct provides optimum coverage thru April.
MOO...many pharmacies jump on the vaccines revenue source early each year. I saw signs from CVS and Walgreens in August offering the vaccine with $5 incentives. This is way to early and potentially leaving a person a risk during peak period. Another consideration is the type of vaccine given. As the article attached covers the different flu vaccines and protection. Not all flu vaccine protect against all strands of flu.
I understand your concern and share your feelings about the VA, whole heartily!!!!! I'm not surprised your husbands practitioner did not explain or discuss the most optimum time for the vaccine or the type of vaccine that would be offered. It might be worth a call to the medial director to discuss what vaccine and the best timing for your husband, if taking early would he require an additional dose, due to diminished efficiency. This year is probably the most important year that we look at the different flu vaccines and protection to prevent false security.
Ask the Experts about Influenza Vaccines - CDC experts answer Q&As
When should influenza vaccine be given?
Optimally, vaccination should occur before onset of influenza activity in the community. Because the timing of the onset, peak and decline of influenza activity varies, the ideal time to start vaccinating cannot be predicted each season.
Healthcare providers should offer vaccination by the end of October, if possible, and vaccination should continue to be offered as long as influenza viruses are circulating and unexpired vaccine is available. To avoid missed opportunities for vaccination, providers should offer vaccination during routine healthcare visits and hospitalizations. Early vaccination of children younger than age 9 years who need 2 doses of vaccine can be helpful in assuring routine second doses are given before the influenza season begins.
How long does immunity from influenza vaccine last?
Protection from influenza vaccine is thought to persist
for at least 6 months.
Protection declines over time because of waning antibody levels and because of changes in circulating influenza viruses from year to year. For persons who require only 1 dose of i
nfluenza vaccine for the season, yearly vaccination (i.e. in July and August) is likely to be associated with suboptimal immunity before the end of the influenza season, particularly among older adults.
