VACCINATION OF SEASONAL FLU

Vaccination & Vaccine Safety

Everyone 6 months of age and older should get the flu vaccine. Seasonal flu vaccines have a very good safety track record.

AVAILABILITY

The flu vaccine is available by shot or nasal spray. Get your flu shot or spray as soon as the vaccine is available in your area. It is especially important to get the vaccine if you, someone you live with, or someone you care for is at high risk of complications from the flu. Mild reactions such as soreness, headaches, and fever are common side effects of the flu vaccine. If you experience a severe reaction such as difficulty breathing, hives, or facial swelling, seek medical attention immediately.

Where can I get the vaccine?

Use the Flu Vaccine Finder to find a flu vaccine location near you this flu season. The 2014-2015 vaccine is now available.

How should I get the vaccine?

There are two different types of flu vaccines, trivalent and quadrivalent.

Trivalent vaccines protect against 3 strains of the flu, A/H3N2, A/H1N1, and influenza B. Trivalent vaccines are available in:

• Traditional flu shots, approved for anyone 6 months and older
• Intradermal shots, which use a shorter needle, approved for anyone 18-64
• High dose shots approved for people over 65
• Cell based shots created using viruses grown in animal cells and approved for anyone over 18
• Recombinant shots created using DNA technology, approved for people 18-49 with severe egg allergies

Quadivalent vaccines protect against 4 strains of the flu, A/H3N2, A/H1N1, and 2 strains of influenza B. Quadrivalent vaccines are available in:

• Traditional flu shots, approved for anyone 6 months and older
• Nasal spray, approved for healthy people from 2-49, except pregnant women

Does the flu vaccine work right away?

It takes about two weeks after vaccination for antibodies to develop in the body and provide protection against influenza virus infection. In the meantime, you are still at risk for getting the flu. That's why it's better to get vaccinated early in the fall, before the flu season really gets under way.

Is the vaccine safe?

Seasonal flu vaccines have a very good safety track record. Although there are possible side-effects to vaccination, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the Food and Drug Administration closely monitor the safety of seasonal flu vaccines.