What is the duration of protection a flu shot gives?
The protection from a flu shot lasts for less than a year – each shot is good for one flu season, which starts in the fall and lasts through the following spring. It’s recommended that people – particularly those in high risk groups – get a flu shot every year; the influenza virus mutates rapidly, so each year, the flu shot is tailored to protect us from the strains of influenza deemed most likely to cause illness during that specific flu season. Also, it’s estimated that the flu shot takes up to two weeks to start working. According to the CDC, the following people should make especially sure to receive an annual shot: • Children between six months and 19 years old • Pregnant women • People over age 50 • People with chronic medical conditions • People who live in nursing homes or other long-term care facilities • People who live with or care for others who are at high risk for complications (such as health care workers) Here’s a
