Key Facts About Seasonal Flu Vaccine

There are two types of vaccines: First type is the "flu shot" an inactivated vaccine, which is given to people older than 6 months. Second type is the "nasal spray flu vaccine" (sometimes called "LAIV" - live attenuated influenza vaccine) that is made with live, weakened flu viruses, which is approved for use in healthy people, 2-49 years of age and who are not pregnant. The seasonal flu vaccine will not provide protection against 2009 H1N1 flu. The single best way to protect against flu is to get vaccinated each year with a 2009 H1N1 flu vaccine. Anyone who want to to reduce their chances of getting seasonal flu, they should get vaccinated. Although, there are some people who should not get a flu vaccine (e.g. people who have severe allergy to chicken eggs, who have had a severe reaction to an influenza vaccination, who develop Guillain Barre syndrome, children who are less than 6 months of age and people who have moderate-to-severe illness with fever). The effectiveness of a vaccine depends on the age and health status of a person. However, you may expect vaccine side effects that can be associated with the flu shot and LAIV. Some minor side effects that could occur from the flu shot are: fever, aches and soreness, redness or swelling where the shot was given. The side effects from LAIV are: runny nose, headache, soar throat and cough. In children, additional side effects can include: wheezing, vomiting, muscle aches and fever.



http://www3.niaid.nih.gov/topics/Flu/understandingFlu/seasonalVaccine.htm#