Your Flu Vaccine Options

Though we have had a mild winter so far and the flu season hasn’t officially started yet, it is coming and those who haven’t already gotten their flu shot and can do so should.

“The flu vaccine is recommended for everyone over six months of age,” explained Deborah Messina Tsotsos, DO, pediatrician at Huntington Hospital.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) explains that there are two different kinds of flu shots available for the 2015-2016 season. They are a trivalent option which protects against H1N1 and H3N2 as well as an influenza B virus and a quadrivalent flu vaccine which can protect against two influenza A viruses as well as two influenza B viruses. In the trivalent category, there is a shot that is “egg-free” for people 18 and older.

Among the quadrivalent vaccines is the nasal spray vaccine, which the CDC notes is approved for everyone between the ages of two and 49. Dr. Messina Tsotsos says this option may be good for people who are afraid of getting a shot.

There are some people who cannot get a flu shot, including people who are allergic to the ingredients of the vaccine. People over the age of 50 and pregnant women cannot receive the nasal spray. The spray should also not be used for people who are allergic to any of its contents.

If you have questions about the flu shot or nasal spray, contact your physician.