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Flu Vaccine
Frequently Asked Questions
Who should get the flu vaccine?
Everyone 6 months and older should get the flu vaccine. Certain people are more likely to get very sick with the flu. Other people are more likely to spread the flu to people who could get very sick. Both of these groups need to be vaccinated. People in these groups include:
- All persons 50 years old and over
- Persons with chronic health care conditions
- People who live in nursing homes or long-term care facilities
- Pregnant women
- Children younger than 5, especially those between 6 months and 2 years old
- Health care personnel
- Persons who live with or care for children less than 6 months of age (e.g., parents, siblings, and childcare providers). Children less than 6 months of age are too young to get vaccinated for the flu.
Is there more than one flu vaccine available?
No. There is only one flu vaccine available. This vaccine will protect you from several types of flu viruses. The flu vaccine changes each year. It is important for everyone to get vaccinated each year to be protected from flu.
How is the flu vaccine given?
The flu vaccine can be given in two different ways, through a shot or through a nose spray.
Who should get the nose spray version of the flu vaccine?
The nose spray is safe and effective. It is an especially good choice for:
- Healthy people between the ages of 2 to 49 years old
- People with a fear of needles
- Health care workers who are healthy and are less than 50 years old
Who should get the Fluzone High-Dose Flu Vaccine?
Fluzone High-Dose is a flu vaccine for people 65 and older. People 65 years and older are at high risk of severe disease from the flu. They also do not respond as well to the flu vaccine as younger people. A high dose vaccine has been made to give them better protection against the flu.
Can the nose spray flu vaccine give you the flu?
No. The nose spray contains a weakened form of the virus. It will not cause you to have the flu. The nose spray is also known as Live Attenuated Influenza Vaccine (LAIV) or Flu Mist.
Can the flu shot give you the flu?
No. The flu shot contains dead virus.
Is the flu vaccine safe?
Yes. The flu vaccine has been used for over 30 years and is proven to be safe and effective.
Will there be thimerosal in the vaccine?
Some of the shot versions of the vaccine contain small amounts of thimerosal. Thimerosal is a preservative used to prevent germ contamination of the vaccine in bottles which hold more than one dose of vaccine. If you are concerned, the nasal spray version of the vaccine has no thimerosal.
Should I be worried about Guillain-Barré syndrome (GBS)?
GBS is very rare. The exact cause for it is unknown. The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) has many monitoring systems in place for vaccine safety.
Does the flu vaccine contain adjuvants?
No. Adjuvants are substances that can be added to vaccines to increase your body's response to the vaccine. There are no ajuvants in the flu vaccine.
Have there been any serious side effects to the flu vaccine?
No. Serious side effects are very rare with the flu vaccine.
Is the flu vaccine expensive?
Cost varies depending on where you get vaccinated. Talk to your doctor or visit the Adult Immunization and Travel Clinic for pricing information.
When and where can I get vaccinated for the flu?
The flu vaccine is usually available in the late summer or early fall. The best place to be vaccinated is in your doctor's office. Call first to see if your doctor has the vaccine. You can also visit the Adult Immunization and Travel Clinic for a flu vaccine.