If you are one of the many who gets a yearly flu vaccination, you might have more choices to make than simply choosing between the nasal vaccine or the flu shot.
A new vaccine option, called a quadrivalent vaccine, will protect you from four strains of the flu, instead of the normal three that past vaccines work against. Unfortunately, if you want one, you’ll need to start looking early, as supplies are expected to be limited. The new four-in-one flu shot is recommended for children, as they are more likely to get the newly added strain than adults.
For people over the age of 65, there is special flu shot that protects against the normal three strains of flu. To better protect seniors, it has four times the standard dose to help jump start immunity.
Are you afraid of needles? A nasal spray flu vaccine has been available for a few years that has proven to be just as effective as the traditional flu shot, but not everyone qualifies for it. If your provider doesn’t think the nasal spray vaccine is a good option for you, a new shot is available called Fluzone Intradermal. It is recommended for those 18-64 years old and has a tiny needle that pricks the skin, instead of being injected with a long needle into the muscle.
If you have been swearing off the flu vaccine due to an egg allergy, there is now allergy free option available. Traditionally, the flu vaccine is made from viruses grown in eggs. The new FluBlok vaccine uses cellular technology instead, and is available for those ages 18-49.
Early fall is the best time to get a flu vaccine, as they take about two weeks to be effective.
