According to the CDC: There are two types of vaccines:
-
The "flu shot"— an inactivated vaccine
(containing killed virus) that is given with a needle, usually in the
arm. The flu shot is approved for use in people older than 6 months,
including healthy people and people with chronic medical conditions.
-
The nasal-spray flu vaccine — a vaccine made with
live, weakened flu viruses that do not cause the flu (sometimes called
LAIV for “live attenuated influenza vaccine” or FluMist®). LAIV (FluMist®)
is approved for use in healthy* people 2-49 years of age† who are not
pregnant.
Each vaccine contains three influenza viruses-one A (H3N2) virus, one
A (H1N1) virus, and one B virus. The viruses in the vaccine change each
year based on international surveillance and scientists' estimations
about which types and strains of viruses will circulate in a given year.
About 2 weeks after vaccination, antibodies that provide protection
against influenza virus infection develop in the body.
When to Get Vaccinated
October or November is the best time to get vaccinated, but you can
still get vaccinated in December and later. Flu season can begin as
early as October and last as late as May.
Who Should Get Vaccinated
In general, anyone who wants to reduce their chances of getting the
flu can get vaccinated. However, it is recommended by ACIP that certain
people should get vaccinated each year. They are either people who are
at high risk of having serious flu complications or people who live with
or care for those at high risk for serious complications. During flu
seasons when vaccine supplies are limited or delayed, ACIP makes
recommendations regarding priority groups for vaccination.
People who should get vaccinated each year are:
-
People at high risk for complications from the flu,
including:
- Children aged 6 months until their 5th birthday,
- Pregnant women,
- People 50 years of age and older, and
- People of any age with certain chronic medical conditions;
- People who live in nursing homes and other long term care
facilities.
-
People who live with or care for those at high risk for
complications from flu, including:
- Household contacts of persons at high risk for complications
from the flu (see above)
- Household contacts and out of home caregivers of children less
than 6 months of age (these children are too young to be vaccinated)
- Healthcare workers.
Use of the Nasal Spray Flu Vaccine
It should be noted that vaccination with the nasal-spray flu
vaccine is always an option for healthy* people 2-49 years of
age† who are not pregnant.
Who Should Not Be Vaccinated
There are some people who should not be vaccinated without first
consulting a physician. These include
- People who have a severe allergy to chicken eggs.
- People who have had a severe reaction to an influenza vaccination
in the past.
- People who developed
Guillain-Barré
syndrome (GBS) within 6 weeks of getting an influenza vaccine
previously.
- Influenza vaccine is not approved for use in children less than 6
months of age.
- People who have a moderate or severe illness with a fever should
wait to get vaccinated until their symptoms lessen.
Vaccine Effectiveness
The ability of flu vaccine to protect a person depends on the age and
health status of the person getting the vaccine, and the similarity or
"match" between the virus strains in the vaccine and those in
circulation. Testing has shown that both the flu shot and the
nasal-spray vaccine are effective at preventing the flu.
Vaccine Side Effects (What to Expect)
Different side effects can be associated with the flu shot and LAIV.
The flu shot: The viruses in the flu shot are killed
(inactivated), so you cannot get the flu from a flu shot. Some minor
side effects that could occur are
- Soreness, redness, or swelling where the shot was given
- Fever (low grade)
- Aches
If these problems occur, they begin soon after the shot and usually
last 1 to 2 days. Almost all people who receive influenza vaccine have
no serious problems from it. However, on rare occasions, flu vaccination
can cause serious problems, such as severe allergic reactions. As of
July 1, 2005, people who think that they have been injured by the flu
shot can file a claim for compensation from the
National Vaccine Injury
Compensation Program (VICP).
LAIV (FluMist®): The viruses in the nasal-spray
vaccine are weakened and do not cause severe symptoms often associated
with influenza illness. (In clinical studies, transmission of vaccine
viruses to close contacts has occurred only rarely.)
In children, side effects from LAIV (FluMist®) can include
- runny nose
- wheezing
- headache
- vomiting
- muscle aches
- fever
In adults, side effects from LAIV (FluMist®) can include
- runny nose
- headache
- sore throat
- cough
