NOW!

A flu shot that is...Every year around this time we all get hyped up about getting our flu shots, and every year there always arises the question of who should get the vaccine. The College Network is offering a flu shot clinic to our employees, and that got me thinking about how important it is for those of you who have RN careers to get vaccinated. You are exposed to people who have the potential to spread germs on a daily basis.

A flu shot is an inactivated vaccine which means it contains killed virus. The Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends people get vaccinated before December to ensure the protective antibodies are in place before the peak of the flu season. Here is a link to a flu clinic locator. Just type in your zip code to find locations near you.

If you're wondering who should get vaccinated, here is who the CDC says should get a flu shot:

1. Pregnant women
2. Children younger than 5, but especially children younger than 2 years old
3. People 50 years of age and older
4. People of any age with certain chronic medical conditions
5. People who live in nursing homes and other long-term care facilities
6. People who live with or care for those at high risk for complications from flu, including:
   1. Health care workers
   2. Household contacts of persons at high risk for complications from the flu
   3. Household contacts and out of home caregivers of children less than 6 months of age (these children are too young to be vaccinated)

It's important to remember that flu shots are not 100% guaranteed to be effective, but they definitely can prevent serious complications caused by the flu. So, if you are already an RN or are currently enrolled in one of our top online nursing programs it's time to start thinking about taking that shot. Your body will thank you!