Not too soon to protect against the flu

The notices have started appearing on workplace bulletin boards: Seasonal flu shots now available.

While medical professionals and public health experts say most people should get the flu shot at their earliest convenience, attitudes among the public range from "I'm in!" to "No, thanks."

Influenza, or the flu, is a contagious respiratory illness that in mild cases can be like a nasty cold, but in severe cases can lead to hospitalization and sometimes death.

Last season 138 confirmed pediatric deaths were tied to the flu, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. People age 65 and older are most at risk, accounting for 90 percent of seasonal flu-related deaths and 60 percent of hospitalizations.

The flu is caused by many different viruses, in two general types called A and B. Vaccines are typically developed to protect against what research indicates will be the three or four most common strains.

The CDC reported that the two biggest factors affecting how well the vaccine works are its match to the virus strain and the health of the person being vaccinated.

With a good match, flu vaccine can reduce the risk of having to go to the doctor for flu by about 60 percent among the overall population. Even with moderate effectiveness, it can reduce flu-related illness, antibiotic use and time lost from work, along with more severe outcomes.

Flu activity usually peaks in January and February, but it can start as early as October and last through May.

Last year's flu season started early and was particularly severe. The previous year was milder.

"I never predict the flu season," said Dr. Alfred DeMaria Jr., state epidemiologist and medical director of the Bureau of Infectious Disease Prevention, Response and Services at the state Department of Public Health.

"Now is not too early. People shouldn't miss an opportunity to get a flu shot," he said. "Last year, people regretted not getting it early."

Dr. DeMaria said people age 6 months and older should get the flu shot. People who are around the elderly, young children or people with chronic health conditions, who are most at risk for complications, should take particular care to get vaccinated and not risk spreading the virus.

Worcester's Division of Public Health will hold "Community immunity" flu shot clinics at senior centers throughout the region it serves, including 8 a.m. to noon Oct. 19 at the Worcester Senior Center. The schedule for other towns' clinics should be finalized in the coming week, according to public health nurse Patricia Bruchmann.

There is no out-of-pocket cost for the shot, and no one will be turned away, but people should bring their insurance cards, if they have them, so their insurance can be billed.

Some people, including health care workers and members of the military, are required to get a flu shot every year.

Katie Surdovel, an optometry student from Allentown, Pa., studying at MCPHS University in Worcester, said, "We have to get the flu shot for school. We have a free flu shot clinic."

She was planning to get vaccinated at the scheduled clinic next week. For those who couldn't make that date, the school would give them coupons to get a flu shot at a drugstore.

"I do every year. The military makes us get one," said Danielle Henry of Worcester, a receptionist at Unum and a member of the Army National Guard.

Ms. Henry said before she routinely got the flu shot, she had gotten the flu.

"It was horrible. Not fun at all," she said.

Others are willing to take their chances or have decided not to get vaccinated based on their own research.

A contractor at the Unum building, who declined to give his name, said, "Every time I hear someone getting the flu shot, they get the flu right afterward."

Jennifer A. Weeden of Southboro, who works in administration at an independent school, gets vaccinated against most diseases but not for the flu.

"Everything I've read indicates to me that by the time they develop the vaccine, a year or two has gone by," she said. "To me, the likelihood of it being effective is so low. And I see a longer term benefit of letting your immune system work through the illness."

Ms. Weeden said she read medical journals from the past year or two — she didn't just Google anti-vaccine websites — and concluded, "The dots don't connect."

She didn't recall ever having had the flu.

Edd Cote, a Millbury photographer, shared a similar attitude toward letting Mother Nature take its course.

"I don't take flu shots, never have, even when they're offered for free," Mr. Cote said.