Only certain people should avoid vaccines
The CDC and the FDA warn that anyone who is severely allergic to vaccines should skip immunisation. However, if you have an egg allergy, it’s still recommended that you get a flu shot, according to the CDC. There are also groups of people who should avoid live vaccines. “If it’s a live vaccine and you’re immunocompromised, you should not get the vaccine,” says Dr Kuhn. “Most live viruses are not advocated for women who are pregnant.” Examples of live vaccines are measles/mumps/rubella (MMR), smallpox and chickenpox. Fortunately, most vaccine reactions are mild, such as redness around the injection site. Only rarely do you see serious reactions.
The flu vaccine won’t prevent the stomach flu
Illnesses that cause vomiting and diarrhoea are often referred to as the “stomach flu,” but this is a misconception, according to the CDC. Any number of bacteria, parasites and even viruses can cause severe GI symptoms, but rarely the influenza virus. The flu is a respiratory illness so the primary flu symptoms are fever, chills, aches, fatigue, sore throat, and runny nose. The so-called stomach flu is actually called gastroenteritis. The most common causes are norovirus (infamous on cruise ships) and rotavirus. They are also notoriously easy to pick up and they spread rapidly in close quarters. (There is no vaccine for norovirus, although there is a rotavirus vaccine for infants.)
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Adults need vaccines, too
Regardless of age, almost everyone needs vaccines – and that includes adults, says the CDC. Some childhood vaccines can wear off; also, adults who might be exposed to new viruses via foreign travel are strongly advised to get vaccinated. Although international travel is off the agenda during the Covid-19 pandemic, when you do decide to travel again, seek your doctor’s opinion on what vaccines are right for you. This will depend on where you go. However, vaccines are your best protection against dozens of diseases, such as hepatitis A and B, chickenpox, measles, rubella and tetanus.