If you are like many people, one of the items on your holiday season to-do list is to get your annual flu shot. Flu activity peaks between December and February, and the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) urge everyone to get their flu shot before infection rates start to rise. In this article, vaccine lawyer Leah V. Durant discusses the CDC’s VaccineFinder tool and provides some tips to keep in mind before and after getting vaccinated.
The CDC’s VaccineFinder Lets You Search for a Local Flu Shot Provider
One option that is available for finding a local flu shot provider is the CDC’s VaccineFinder tool. This is a national database of pharmacies and other locations that offer flu shots that you can search based on your ZIP code. The CDC’s VaccineFinder tool also lets you choose between the standard flu shot, the high-dose or adjuvanted flu shot for individuals age 65 and older, the egg-free flu shot, and the flu shot nasal spray.
You can search for a local flu shot provider here: CDC VaccineFinder.
Tips to Keep In Mind Before (and After) Getting a Flu Shot
When getting a flu shot, there are some important considerations to keep in mind. First, while the CDC recommends vaccination against influenza for most people, it also notes that vaccination may be inadvisable for some individuals. If you have any questions or concerns about getting the flu shot, you should consult with your doctor prior to getting vaccinated.
Second, since the flu shot is administered via injection in the shoulder, getting vaccinated presents a risk for shoulder injuries related to vaccine administration (SIRVA). While your flu shot provider should follow the protocols for administering your vaccine appropriately, you can help by rolling your sleeve all the way up to the top of your shoulder. If you do not expose enough of your shoulder, or if you pull your collar down instead of rolling your sleeve up, this could potentially increase your risk of SIRVA (if your flu shot provider fails to advise you correctly).
Third, after getting a flu shot, it is important to know the difference between common side effects of vaccination and the symptoms of a potentially-serious vaccine injury. The CDC lists common side effects of the flu shot as:
- Soreness, redness, and/or swelling from the shot
- Headache
- Fever
- Nausea
- Muscle aches
Other more serious effects such as intense pain, radiating pain, limited mobility, hives, weakness, dizziness, and swelling around the eyes or lips could be symptomatic of a flu shot injury. This includes various forms of SIRVA as well as anaphylaxis (a severe allergic reaction) and Guillain-Barre Syndrome (GBS).
Request a Free Consultation with Vaccine Lawyer Leah V. Durant
Vaccine lawyer Leah V. Durant represents individuals and families nationwide in claims under the National Vaccine Injury Compensation Program (VICP). The VICP pays compensation for flu shot injuries including SIRVA, anaphylaxis and GBS, and you can hire a lawyer to represent you at no cost. For a free, no-obligation consultation about your legal rights, call 202-775-9200 or request an appointment online today.