Seasonal Flu Vaccinations
Vaccine Information
Types of Vaccines:
The flu shot is the traditional vaccine 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. For the flu shot
"Vaccination Information Statement," click here.
The nasal-spray flu vaccine is 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. For the nasal spray
"Vaccination Information Statement," click here.
About 2 weeks after vaccination, antibodies that provide protection against flu virus infection develop in the body.
You should receive the seasonal flu vaccine if you are:
- A member of the general public concerned about getting or spreading the seasonal flu virus.
- Age 6 months to 18 years
- Over age 50
- Planning on getting pregnant
- A person with a long term health problem
- Living with a weakened immune system
- A nursing home resident
- Living with or caring for people with high risk influenza-related complications
- A health care worker
- Hoping to reduce the likelihood of becoming ill with influenza
The seasonal flu vaccine will not protect against the 2009 novel H1N1 influenza virus. There is a separate vaccine
being manufactured to protect against the 2009 H1N1 influenza virus. Still, it is important for most people to get
the seasonal flu vaccine, especially individuals at higher risk of developing serious complications if they contract
influenza. No vaccine is 100 percent effective against preventing disease, but vaccination is the best protection
against the flu and can prevent many illnesses, hospitalization, and deaths.
Wash hands often | Cover coughs and sneezes | Stay home when sick
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