It’s time for your annual flu vaccine

Dr. Roach Writes: If you haven’t gotten your influenza vaccine yet, it’s time to think about it. This year’s vaccine is similar to last year’s, but two of the components have been updated to match the strains that are circulating worldwide and expected to be epidemic in North America. All flu shots use only virus components and no live virus, so it is not possible to get the flu from a flu shot.

Any flu vaccine is much better than none, but there are a few recommendations for specific people. In general, I recommend the quadrivalent vaccines, which provide protection against four strains. Most of the vaccines available in 2019-2020 are quadrivalent.

Men and women over 65 are recommended for high-dose vaccine, with double the amount of vaccine, and this year there is a quadrivalent high-dose vaccine. An alternative would be the Fluad, which is a trivalent vaccine. This vaccine contains an adjuvant, which causes a more potent immune reaction.

People with egg allergies can receive any vaccine, although there are vaccines made without using eggs (Flublok and Flucelvax).

Two needle-free options are available: Afluria quadrivalent (given by a jet injector), and FluMist, which is a nasal liveattenuated vaccine. FluMist is indicated only in those up to 49 years old, and it has not been studied in the immunocompromised. The ACIP recommends against this vaccine for the immunocompromised and for their caregivers. The manufacturer notes that the supply of FluMist will be limited.

Last year the vaccine was just about 50% effective. It is still possible to get the flu despite vaccination. However, the vaccine lowers hospitalization rates, deaths in children and protects expectant mothers and their babies. Getting vaccinated helps you, your family and neighbors and your community.