Why a New Shot Every Year?
One of the most common questions our pharmacists hear is: "I got the flu shot last year, do I really need it again?" The answer is yes, and for two important reasons.
First, influenza viruses constantly evolve. The strains circulating this flu season are likely different from those circulating last year. Each year, public health scientists around the world monitor influenza activity and update the vaccine formulation to match the strains most likely to cause illness that season.
Second, the immunity provided by the flu vaccine naturally wanes over time. Even if the virus strains were identical year to year, the protection offered by last year's vaccine may no longer be strong enough to keep you fully protected. Annual vaccination ensures you maintain a strong level of immune defense throughout each flu season.
Who Is Most at Risk From Influenza?
While anyone can get the flu, certain groups face a much higher risk of serious complications including pneumonia, hospitalization, and even death. These high-risk groups include:
- Adults 65 years and older
- Children younger than 5 years, especially those under 2
- Pregnant women and women up to two weeks postpartum
- People with chronic conditions such as asthma, diabetes, heart disease, or kidney disease
- Individuals with weakened immune systems
- Residents of nursing homes or long-term care facilities
Even if you are healthy and not in a high-risk category, getting vaccinated protects the people around you who may be more vulnerable, including newborns, elderly family members, and immunocompromised individuals.
The Benefits Go Beyond You
Vaccination creates what public health experts call herd immunity, meaning that when enough people in a community are immune to an illness, it becomes much harder for the illness to spread. This directly protects those who cannot be vaccinated, such as infants under 6 months, people with severe egg allergies, or those with certain medical conditions.
When you get your flu shot at MediOAK Pharmacy, you are not just protecting yourself. You are protecting your family, your coworkers, and your entire community.
What to Expect at MediOAK Pharmacy
Getting your flu shot at MediOAK Pharmacy is quick, easy, and comfortable. No appointment is necessary for most patients, though you are welcome to call ahead to confirm availability.
- Walk in to MediOAK Pharmacy Monday to Friday, 9AM to 6PM
- Complete a brief health screening form
- Receive your flu shot from one of our trained pharmacists, typically in under two minutes
- Wait 15 minutes for observation, then you are free to go
We carry both the standard-dose flu vaccine and the high-dose formulation recommended for adults 65 and older. Our pharmacists will help you determine which is right for you.
Common Myths About the Flu Shot
Let Us Set the Record Straight
- Myth: The flu shot can give you the flu. It cannot. The vaccine contains inactivated virus particles that cannot cause infection.
- Myth: I am healthy so I do not need it. Even healthy adults can spread influenza to vulnerable people who are at serious risk.
- Myth: The flu shot does not work. It significantly reduces your risk of illness and greatly reduces the severity if you do get infected.
- Myth: I already had the flu this season so I am protected. Flu strains vary and your immunity from a natural infection may not cover all circulating strains.
When Is the Best Time to Get Vaccinated?
The CDC recommends getting your flu shot before the end of October each year. However, getting vaccinated later in the season is still beneficial. Flu activity can continue well into spring, and protection begins about two weeks after vaccination.
At MediOAK Pharmacy, we stock the flu vaccine throughout the entire flu season. Walk in whenever it is convenient for you. There is no bad time to protect yourself.
