Brian Elisco Chief Executive Officer at Abrazo Health | Official website
Brian Elisco Chief Executive Officer at Abrazo Health | Official website
The flu season for 2024-2025 has arrived, and health professionals are urging individuals to prioritize getting their flu shots. Physicians at Abrazo emphasize the importance of receiving this year's influenza vaccination to prevent illness.
Flu vaccines in the United States are designed to protect against three circulating seasonal influenza viruses: Influenza A (H1N1), Influenza A (H3N2), and Influenza B/Victoria lineage. The recommended period for vaccination is September and October, with a goal for everyone to be vaccinated by the end of October. It is advised that most adults, particularly those aged 65 and older, avoid early vaccination in July or August as protection may wane over time. The flu season extends from October through March.
Influenza is a respiratory infection that poses significant risks, especially to young children, older adults, and individuals with certain medical conditions. According to a study by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control & Prevention (CDC), over 200,000 people in the United States are hospitalized annually due to respiratory and heart conditions linked to influenza virus infections.
Dr. Carl Bryce from Abrazo Central Campus explains, “It takes about two weeks after vaccination for antibodies to develop in the body and provide protection against influenza virus infection. That's why it's best to get vaccinated before influenza viruses start to spread in your community.”
The CDC recommends annual flu vaccinations for everyone six months or older who do not have specific medical contraindications. Dr. Bryce reassures those concerned about vaccine safety: “Flu vaccines cannot cause flu illness. Flu vaccines given with a needle (i.e., flu shots) are made with either inactivated (killed) viruses or with only a single protein from an influenza virus. The nasal spray vaccine contains live viruses that are attenuated (weakened) so that they will not cause illness.”
During the 2023–2024 season, the CDC estimates that the flu vaccine prevented at least 7.4 million illnesses related to the flu, along with 3.7 million medical visits, 105,000 hospitalizations, and 3,500 deaths.
Flu shots are available at Abrazo Medical Group Primary Care Clinics.
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