Why are there different kinds of flu vaccines?
There are different types of flu vaccine and ways administered to meet a variety of needs. Flu vaccines protect against the three or four viruses that research suggests will be most common.
Three-component (trivalent)
Adjuvant: Creates a stronger immune response: Ages 65 and older
Four-component (quadrivalent)
Intramuscular (Flu Shot): Ages 6 months and older
Cell-based: Ages 4 and older
Recombinant that is egg-free: Ages 18 and older
Live attenuated influenza vaccine: Ages 2-49
High Dose: A higher dose of antigen in the vaccine designed to give older people a better immune response and, therefore, better protection against the flu: Ages 65 and older
Adjuvant: Creates a stronger immune response: Ages 65 and older
Why is it important to get a flu vaccine EVERY year?
Flu viruses are constantly changing, so flu vaccines may be updated from one season to the next to protect against the viruses that research suggests will be common during the upcoming flu season. Your protection from a flu vaccine declines over time. Yearly vaccination is needed for the best protection.
What about people with egg allergies?
People with a history of egg allergy of any severity should receive any licensed, recommended, and age-appropriate influenza vaccine. Those who have a history of severe allergic reaction to egg (i.e., any symptom other than hives) should be vaccinated in an inpatient or outpatient medical setting (including but not necessarily limited to hospitals, clinics, health departments, and physician offices), under the supervision of a healthcare provider who is able to recognize and manage severe allergic conditions. The CDC website has more information. If you are looking for vaccine manufactured without eggs, ask your healthcare provider about Flublok or Flucelvax.
What are the side effects of flu vaccines?
Flu shots are made using dead flu viruses (for inactivated vaccines), or without flu virus at all (for the recombinant vaccine). So, you cannot get flu from a flu shot. Some minor side effects that may occur include soreness, redness and/or swelling where the shot was given, low grade fever, and aches.
Nasal spray flu vaccines are weakened viruses. For adults, side effects from the nasal spray may include runny nose, headache, sore throat, and cough. For children, side effects may also include wheezing, vomiting, muscle aches, and fever. These side effects are usually mild and go away on their own, but serious reactions are also possible. Almost all people who receive flu vaccine have no serious problems from it.