Is it safe to get a flu shot when you're already ill?
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) advises that most people ages 6 months and older should get the flu shot every season. While the National Institutes of Health (NIH) does not explicitly restate the precise flu vaccination timing recommendations related to mild illness, current consensus from public health authorities aligns with the CDC's guidance.
Mild respiratory illnesses without fever or systemic symptoms, such as colds or sinus infections, do not typically require delaying the flu shot. However, individuals experiencing severe symptoms or active COVID-19 infection may need to reschedule their vaccination to avoid confounding illness symptoms and optimize immune response.
For people with severe egg allergies, it's essential to speak with their doctor about any safety concerns before having the flu vaccine. Different formulations of the flu vaccine exist, and a doctor can advise on the best option for a person with a severe egg allergy.
People should not get the flu vaccine if they have had a severe or life-threatening reaction to the flu vaccine or any of its ingredients. Additionally, people under the age of 6 months should not receive the flu shot, and people with COVID-19 should wait until they are no longer at risk of transmitting the illness to others before getting the flu shot.
High-risk groups, including children under 5 years old, people aged 65 years and older, pregnant people, and those with long-term health conditions, including asthma, diabetes, and heart disease, are at high risk for flu complications. People who are immunocompromised, pregnant, undergoing chemotherapy, or taking certain medications cannot have the live intranasal flu vaccine.
Getting the flu shot is the best way to prevent getting the flu and spreading it to others. People with long-term health conditions need to get the flu shot to reduce the risk of further problems. A person can receive a flu shot while sick with mild illnesses such as colds and sinus infections. However, a doctor may consider the benefits and risks of the flu vaccine for each individual, even when a person is sick.
People should always speak with a doctor to address concerns before taking the flu shot, including if they are feeling unwell. Getting the flu shot in September or October ensures better protection throughout the flu season. It's crucial to remember that every individual's health situation is unique, and consulting with a healthcare professional is always advisable.
