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Influenza (Flu) Vaccine Frequently Asked Questions

Who should get influenza vaccine?

The Department of Health (DOH) and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommend that the following groups get a flu vaccine:

  • All children ages 6 months up to the 5th birthday.
  • All adults age 50 years and older.
  • Children and adults of any age with certain chronic health conditions or special health care needs, such as diabetes, heart disease, cancer, cystic fibrosis, asthma and other breathing problems, sickle cell anemia, and cerebral palsy.
  • Residents of nursing homes or long-term care facilities.
  • Pregnant women.
  • Health care professionals who provide direct patient care.
  • Household contacts and caregivers of people in any of the above groups.
  • Household contacts and caregivers of children from birth up to the 5th birthday, especially those in contact with babies under 6 months of age who are too young to get flu vaccine, but may still get the flu.
  • Anyone who wants to reduce their chances of getting the flu.

Which vaccine is better, the shot or nasal spray?

There are two types of flu vaccine available. Each vaccine is recommended for different groups of people. If you’re not sure which is best for you or your child, ask your doctor, nurse, or clinic.

  • The flu shot: The flu shot contains inactivated (killed) viruses and may cause some soreness where the shot is given. The flu shot can be given to anyone age 6 months and older.
  • The nasal spray flu vaccine: The nasal spray flu vaccine or Live Attenuated Influenza Vaccine (LAIV) contains live, weakened flu viruses. It can be given to healthy children, teens, and adults aged 5 to 49 years who are not pregnant.

Check with your health care provider or local pharmacy about how to get LAIV (commonly called FluMist). More information on LAIV is available at: http://www.cdc.gov/flu/professionals/acip/index.htm.

What are the requirements for the new mercury-free vaccine law?

Mercury-free influenza vaccines are available to meet the requirements of a new mercury-limiting law that went into effect July 1, 2007. The law requires that pregnant women and children under age 3 years be given vaccines that are considered mercury-free (or thimerosal-free). Thimerosal is a preservative still used in some vaccines that contains a type of mercury called ethylmercury. Ethylmercury is processed differently in the body than methylmercury, the type of mercury found in the environment. Studies suggest that ethylmercury is removed from the body more quickly than methylmercury. A thimerosal-free influenza vaccine is defined as having less than 1.0 microgram of mercury per 0.5 milliliter dose. Ask your doctor, nurse, or clinic about mercury-free flu vaccines for you or your child or if you have further questions about this law.

How do I find an influenza vaccine?

For guidelines on eligibility for state-supplied vaccines, download the Guidelines for Use of State Supplied Vaccines (PDF 117kb) (04/04/08), or contact the Immunization Program CHILD Profile at (360) 236-3595.

 

Last Update: 06/24/2008 02:51 PM