The flu vaccine that will be given during the fall and winter of 2010 - 2011 will also protect everyone against swine (H1N1) flu. There is no separate vaccine for swine flu.

There are two types of flu vaccines: a flu shot and a nasal spray-type vaccine.

The flu shot contains killed (inactive) viruses, so it is not possible to get the flu from this type of vaccine. However, some people do get a low-grade fever for a day or two after the shot as their immune systems gear up to recognize the virus. The flu shot is approved for people age 6 months and older.

A nasal spray-type flu vaccine called FluMist uses a live, weakened virus instead of a dead one like the flu shot. It is approved for healthy people aged 2 to 49 who are not pregnant. The vaccine helps the lining of the nose fight off actual viral infections. It should not be used in those who have asthma or children under age 5 who have repeated wheezing episodes.

Flu vaccines are generally given at the beginning of the "flu season" -- usually late October or early November in the U.S. However, they may be given as late as March, and still provide some benefit.

People traveling to other countries should be aware that the flu may occur at different times.

WHO SHOULD GET THE VACCINE

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends that everyone 6 months and older should receive the flu vaccine. The flu shot is for people age 6 months and older. Some people are more likely to get the flu or to have a severe infection if they catch it. People at risk for more serious flu infections should always get a flu vaccine every year.

Older children and adults only require a single shot each year. However, children under age 9 need two shots 1 month apart the first time they receive flu vaccine or if they have not previously received two doses during one flu season.

The following people should get a flu shot every year.

• Children between the ages of 6 months and 18 years, especially those under 2
• Household contacts and caregivers of children under the age of 6 months (Breastfeeding women may receive the vaccine.)

You should get a flu shot every year if you:

• Are 50 or older
• Are a health care worker or live with a health care worker
• Have chronic lung or heart disease
• Have sickle cell anemia or other hemoglobinopathies
• Live in a nursing home or extended care facilities
• Live with people who have chronic health problems
• Have kidney disease, anemia, severe asthma, diabetes, or chronic liver disease
• Have a weakened immune system (including those with cancer or HIV/AIDS)
• Receive long-term treatment with steroids for any condition
• Are a pregnant woman
• Are a woman who will be pregnant during flu season

BENEFITS

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Influenza vaccines

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Influenza vaccine Prevention

Review Date: 10/03/2010
Reviewed By: David C. Dugdale, III, MD, Professor of Medicine, Division of General Medicine, Department of Medicine, University of Washington School of Medicine. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.

A.D.A.M., Inc. is accredited by URAC, also known as the American Accreditation HealthCare Commission (www.urac.org)