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(MayoClinic.com) The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved the vaccines that will be available this fall to protect people against several seasonal flu (influenza) viruses expected to be in circulation this fall and winter.
This annual flu shot won't contain protection against the pandemic swine flu (novel H1N1) virus. A separate vaccine has been developed for the swine flu virus.
Influenza is a respiratory infection that sickens millions of people each year and can cause serious complications, especially in children and older adults. Fortunately, the flu vaccine — available in the form of a flu shot or a nasal spray — offers protection against the flu.
Here are the answers to common questions about flu shots.
The flu vaccine is generally offered between September and mid-November, which is typically before the late-fall to early winter start of flu season. However, getting a flu shot even later in the flu season may still protect you. It takes up to two weeks to build immunity following a flu shot.
Why do I need to get vaccinated every year?You need annual flu protection because the influenza virus changes from year to year. The flu vaccine you got last year wasn't designed to fight the virus strains in circulation this flu season.
Influenza viruses mutate so quickly that they can render one season's vaccine ineffective by the next season. A Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) advisory committee meets early in the year to estimate which strains of influenza virus will be most prevalent during the upcoming flu season, and manufacturers produce vaccine based on those recommendations.
Who should get the flu vaccine?Most people who want to reduce the risk of getting influenza can get a flu shot. The CDC recommends the flu vaccine each year if you:
Don't get a flu shot if you:
The flu vaccine comes in two forms:
Both the flu shot and the nasal spray help protect you from influenza. But there are differences to consider before deciding between the two.
| Flu shot | Nasal spray |
|---|---|
| Administered through a needle — you'll need an injection | Administered through a spray — you won't need an injection |
| Contains killed viruses — you can't pass the flu along to anyone else | Contains weakened live viruses that won't give you the flu but that can, in rare cases, be transmitted to others |
| Approved for use in people 6 months of age and older | Approved for healthy people ages 2 years to 49 years |
| Can be used in people at increased risk of flu-related complications, including pregnant women and those with chronic medical conditions | Given only to nonpregnant healthy people, not to those with chronic medical conditions, suppressed immune systems or to children and adolescents receiving aspirin therapy |
| May be available free to the uninsured and is usually covered by insurance | May not be covered by insurance |
According to the CDC, when the match between flu vaccine and circulating strains of flu virus is close, a flu shot is between 70 and 90 percent effective in warding off influenza in healthy people under age 65.
The flu vaccine is less effective:
Children younger than 9 years old require two doses of the flu vaccine if it's the first time they've been vaccinated for influenza. That's because children don't develop an adequate antibody level the first time they get the vaccine. Antibodies help fight the virus if it enters your child's system. If a flu vaccine shortage were to occur and your child couldn't get two doses of vaccine, one dose might still offer some protection.
I heard the flu shot isn't very effective for older adults. Is it worth getting vaccinated if you're over 65?If you're over age 65, the vaccine doesn't offer as much protection as it would to someone younger because older adults produce fewer antibodies in response to the virus. Still, the vaccine offers more protection than does skipping the shot altogether. More important, the flu vaccine decreases the risk of flu-related complications — especially pneumonia, heart attack, stroke and death — to which older adults are especially vulnerable.
Can I lower my risk of the flu without getting a flu shot?With or without a flu shot, you can take steps to help protect yourself from the flu and other viruses. Good hygiene remains your primary defense against contagious illnesses.
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