Vaccines and Preventable Diseases

• Seasonal Influenza (Flu) Vaccination

  Brief Description

  The single best way to protect against the flu is to get vaccinated each year. On February 24, 2010 vaccine experts voted that everyone 6 months and older should get a flu vaccine each year starting with the 2010-2011 influenza season. CDC's Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) voted for "universal" flu vaccination in the U.S. to expand protection against the flu to more people. There are two types of vaccines: Flu vaccination 1. 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. There are 3 diffeent flu shots available: -- a regular flu shot approved for people ages 6 months and older, -- a high-dose flu shot approved for people 65 and older, and -- an intradermal flu shot approved for people 18 to 65 years of age. "Live Attenuated Influenza Vaccine"). The viruses in the nasal spray vaccine do not cause the flu. LAIV is approved for use in healthy* people 2 through 49 years of age who are not pregnant.