Key Facts About Seasonal Flu Vaccine
The single best
way to protect against the flu is to get vaccinated each year.
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”). LAIV (FluMist®) is approved for use in healthy people 2-49
years of age* who are not pregnant.
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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 persons aged 2-49 years 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
*On
September 19, 2007 the U.S. Food and Drug Administration approved use of the nasal
influenza vaccine LAIV (FluMist®) for healthy children ages 2-4 years old (24-59
months old) without a history of recurrent wheezing, as well as for healthy persons
ages 5-49 years who are not pregnant. Previously, approval was for healthy persons
ages 5-49 years who are not pregnant. More information is available at
http://www.fda.gov/bbs/topics/NEWS/2007/NEW01705.html.
http://www.cdc.gov/vaccines/pubs/vis/default.htm#flu
