{"id":166,"date":"2016-10-25T07:00:34","date_gmt":"2016-10-25T07:00:34","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/blogs.aupairinamerica.com\/dcg\/?p=166"},"modified":"2016-10-24T21:59:08","modified_gmt":"2016-10-24T21:59:08","slug":"vaccine-against-influenza-flu-shots","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/blogs.aupairinamerica.com\/dcg\/2016\/10\/25\/vaccine-against-influenza-flu-shots\/","title":{"rendered":"Vaccine Against Influenza (Flu Shots)"},"content":{"rendered":"
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Photo Credit: Army Medicine (Flickr)<\/p><\/div>\n

The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommend everyone over the age of 6 months get a flu vaccine to avoid contracting certain strains of influenza (also know as the flu).\u00a0 Flu shots usually become available in the fall, from September to November.\u00a0 Some of your host families, including the children and adults, may get the flu shot every year.\u00a0 Au pairs may have questions in this regard, particularly if they are from countries where this is not standard practice.\u00a0 The most common questions I receive about the flu shot are:<\/p>\n

Do I have to be vaccinated?<\/strong> No, it is up to you if you have the vaccine or not, but it is highly encouraged, especially for caregivers of children and the elderly.<\/p>\n

Does my insurance pay for it?<\/strong> No, your medical insurance does not cover this expense.<\/p>\n

Then who pays for this expense, the au pair or the host family?<\/strong>\u00a0 If I you to get vaccinated for yourself, you pay for it.\u00a0 If you host family wants you to get it because you are caring for their children, then they pay for it.<\/p>\n

Additional ways to lower your risk of the flu<\/h3>\n

The CDC also states that: “With or without a flu shot, you can take steps to help protect yourself from the flu and other viruses. Good hygiene remains your primary defense against contagious illnesses.<\/p>\n