A physician explains the flu shot

We asked Dr. Rami K. Taha, an infectious disease consultant with Advocate Condell Medical Center in Libertyville, to answer a few questions about this season's flu shot.

Q: The H1N1 pandemic is over. Do I need a flu shot this year?A. The pandemic might be over, but the H1N1 virus is still out there, and it is still considered a cause of influenza among other influenza. The virus is included in the vaccine.Who should get the flu shot this year?A. Anyone over the age of 6 months.Do I only need one flu shot this year? What does that protect me against?A. Yes. There will be only one flu shot this year. It will contain the H1N1 (swine flu), H3N2 and influenza B antigens.When is the perfect time to get the flu shot?A. The best time to get vaccinated is as soon as the vaccine is available on the market. Early fall is ideal for vaccination.It seems the shots are being given earlier this year. Won't they wear off by the middle of winter?A. It takes about two weeks after the vaccination to develop the antibodies to protect against the flu. Therefore, it is recommended to be vaccinated early in the season, before the first cases of flu are reported. The vaccine will protect for the entire season.Should the person over 65 receive a high-dose flu vaccine? What does this involve?A. The new high-dose flu vaccine was manufactured for people over the age of 65. It contains four times higher dose of antigens (which are part of the virus that is identified by the immune system prompting it to make antibodies against the virus). The higher dose makes it more likely for older people to develop a better immune response and protection against the virus.Last year there was a shortage of shots. Can we expect the same this year? A. I don't think there should be an issue this year since the H1N1 vaccine has been incorporated into the regular flu vaccine. In addition, manufacturers are better prepared.I heard the flu vaccine is made using chicken eggs. Do I need to be concerned about Salmonella in the vaccine after the massive egg recall?A. Eggs used to manufacture the vaccine are grown at different farms than eggs for eating. And the eggs are tested vigorously before using them to manufacture vaccines.Does it matter where I receive the vaccine? A. No. Since all vaccines in the market come from the same manufacturers. There is no difference as long as it's given correctly.