Doctors recommend getting the flu vaccine every year for several important reasons:
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Antigenic Drift and Shift: The influenza virus undergoes frequent changes (mutations) in its surface proteins, known as antigens. These changes can result in new strains of the virus that the immune system may not recognize. Annual vaccination helps ensure that the vaccine is updated to match the most current circulating strains.
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Waning Immunity: The immunity provided by the flu vaccine diminishes over time. Research shows that protection decreases within months after vaccination. Getting vaccinated each year helps maintain optimal immunity against the flu.
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Different Strains Each Season: Each flu season can have different dominant strains of the virus. The vaccine is reformulated annually based on predictions about which strains are likely to circulate. Annual vaccination ensures that individuals are protected against the strains expected to be prevalent.
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Protecting Vulnerable Populations: Annual vaccination helps reduce the overall spread of the flu virus, protecting not just the vaccinated individuals but also those who are at higher risk of severe illness, including the very young, the elderly, and those with underlying health conditions.
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Public Health Recommendations: Health organizations, including the CDC and WHO, recommend annual flu vaccination as a proactive public health measure to reduce the overall burden of influenza in the community.
By getting vaccinated each year, individuals not only protect themselves but also contribute to community immunity, helping to prevent outbreaks and protect those who may be unable to receive the vaccine.
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