Content

• Steps
• Method 1 of 1: Seasonal Flu Vaccine
• Tips
• Warnings

Many people each year decide to get a flu shot (or nasal spray) to protect themselves from seasonal flu. Here's what you need to know to get vaccinated.

Steps

Method 1 of 1: Seasonal Flu Vaccine

1. 1 Choose between the flu shot and the nasal vaccine. The nasal vaccine is called the live attenuated influenza vaccine (LAIV) because it contains a live but depleted (attenuated) influenza virus. The flu shot, on the other hand, contains an inactive (dead) virus. Note that if you need to get both vaccines at the same time, both must be injected (although it is generally recommended that you get one when it becomes available, see the discussion below). In addition, people who meet one or more of the following criteria should definitely get the flu shot instead of the influenza vaccine:
   • Aged 50 and older
   • Between 6 months and 2 years of age
   • Under 5 years of age with asthma or one or more attacks of bronchial obstruction in the past year
   • Chronic disease, heart disease, lung disease, asthma, kidney disease, liver disease, metabolic disease (such as diabetes), or blood disorders (such as anemia)
   • Having a nerve or muscle disorder (such as seizures or cerebral palsy) that can cause trouble breathing or swallowing
   • Weakened immune system
   • A teenager or child on long-term aspirin treatment
   • Pregnancy
   • Those who are in close contact with people with strongly a weakened immune system (in need of a protected environment, such as a bone marrow transplant unit)
     • In clinical trials, close contact transmission of vaccine viruses has been extremely rare.Currently, the estimated risk of contracting influenza vaccine after close contact with a person who has received the nasal spray vaccine is low (0.6% -2.4%). Because the viruses are weakened, infection is unlikely to result in flu symptoms, as vaccine viruses do not mutate into typical or natural influenza viruses.
   • Any medical condition that makes breathing difficult (such as a stuffy nose)
2. 2 Talk to your doctor before getting the flu vaccine if you:
   • Have any serious (life-threatening) allergies. An allergic reaction to the influenza vaccine is rare. The influenza vaccine virus is grown in chicken eggs. People who are severely allergic to chicken eggs should not receive this vaccine. A severe allergy to any component of the vaccine is also a reason not to receive the vaccine.
   • Have had a serious backlash from a previous influenza vaccine.
   • Have ever had Guillain-Barré syndrome (severe paralysis, also known as GBS). You can get the vaccine, but your doctor must help you make a decision.
   • Moderately or seriously ill. You should wait until you recover before receiving the vaccine. If you are sick, talk to your doctor or nurse about rescheduling your vaccination. People with mild illness can usually get the vaccine.
3. 3 Get the vaccine as soon as possible. Do not wait for the swine flu vaccine, as you can get them at the same time. (See below for more details on getting two vaccines at the same time). Influenza can occur any time from November to May, but most often it peaks in January or February. You will need seasonal vaccine protection as soon as it becomes available. As the saying goes, getting the vaccine in December, or even later, will still be beneficial for most ages. Better late than never!
   • Children under 9 years of age receiving the vaccine for the first time - or those who received the vaccine for the first time last season but only one dose - should receive 2 doses, at least 4 weeks apart for protection.
4. 4 Be prepared for adverse reactions. The viruses in the flu shot are dead (inactive), so you won't get the flu from the shot. There are a few minor side effects, however. If such problems appear, they usually begin shortly after vaccination, and last 1 to 2 days:
   • soreness, redness, or swelling at the injection site
   • hoarseness; painful, red, or itchy eyes; cough
   • slight fever
   • pain
5. 5 Note that LAIV can have slightly different side effects as described in this government document PDF.
6. 6 Call your doctor if you have a serious reaction. Watch for any unusual symptoms, such as severe fever or changes in behavior. Signs of a severe allergic reaction may include shortness of breath, hoarseness or wheezing, rash, pallor, weakness, rapid heartbeat, or dizziness. Tell your doctor what happened, when it happened, and when the vaccine was given.
   
   
   • If this occurs in the United States, contact the reported reaction provider to complete the Vaccine Adverse Effects Reporting System (SOPEV) form. Or you can submit this report through the SOPEV website at www.vaers.hhs.gov, or by calling 1-800-822-7967. As of July 1, 2005, people who believe they have been affected by the influenza vaccine can file a claim for damages under the National Vaccine Injury Compensation Program.)

Tips

• It takes about 2 weeks for protection to develop after seasonal influenza vaccination. The protection is valid for up to a year.
• Flu shots can be obtained from a variety of sources such as health fairs, health departments, workplace health posts, doctor's offices, or pharmacies.
• People who should receive the seasonal vaccine each year:
  
  
  • Children from six months to 19 years old
  • Pregnant women
  • People 50 and older
  • People of any age with certain chronic medical conditions
  • People living in nursing homes and other long-term care facilities
  • People living with or caring for someone who is at high risk for complications from the flu, including:
    
    
    • Healthcare workers
    • Households in contact with people at high risk of complications from influenza
    • Households and caregivers of those children who are less than 6 months old (these children are too young to be vaccinated)

Warnings

• Some inactive flu vaccines contain a preservative called thimerosal. Some have suggested that thimerosal may be associated with developmental problems in children. While research does not support these claims, there are options for those wishing to avoid thimerosal:
  
  
  • Thimerosal-free flu shots are available. Seasonal influenza vaccine multi-dose vials contain thimerosal to prevent possible contamination after opening the vial; there is no such thing in single-dose vials.
  • LAIV does not contain thimerosal or other preservatives.
  • The 2009 H1N1 flu vaccines, which are licensed (approved) by the FDA, will be manufactured in several formulations. Some will be available in multi-dose vials with thimerosal as a preservative. Some 2009 H1N1 influenza vaccines will be available in single-use vials that do not require thimerosal as a preservative. In addition, the attenuated nasal live vaccine is produced in disposable kits and will not contain thimerosal.