Who, what, how of flu shots

During last year’s flu season (through February 2019), the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimated that the influenza virus caused 9,600 to 15,900 deaths and 155,000 to 186,000 hospitalizations. The overwhelming majority of children who died in the 2018 epidemic had not been vaccinated. Even during the 2017-2018 season, which lasted longer than usual and caused a lot more infections than usual, the CDC says flu vaccines prevented 7.1 million illnesses, 3.7 million medical visits, 109,000 hospitalizations and 8,000 deaths.

So, the flu vaccine is available, and here’s the info you need:

Who: The CDC recommends annual influenza vaccination for everyone 6 months and older with any licensed influenza vaccine that is appropriate for the recipient’s age and health status.

However, if you or your child has any chronic or acute issues, ask your doctor what influenza vaccination guidelines and recommendations apply to you.

What: The vaccines have been updated from last year’s, so hopefully they will be even more effective. There are inactivated trivalent vaccines (regular and high dose) that cover three strains of the flu and inactivated quadrivalent shots that covers four strains. The Afluria Quadrivalent IIV4 vaccine (along with the other quadrivalent vaccines) is now available to anyone 6 months of age or older; Afluria used to be just for those 5 or older. One recombinant influenza vaccine, Flublok Quadrivalent (RIV4), is indicated for people 18 and older and is made without the use of influenza viruses or eggs.

How: Kids 6 months through eight years of age who have never had a flu vaccine need two doses administered a minimum of four weeks apart for optimal protection. Adults and children ages 9 and older need only one dose. Folks 65 and older can have either a high-dose trivalent or a quadrivalent vaccine, as they choose.