Along with all the joy and celebration this time of year brings comes one very unwelcome guest: the flu. Flu seasons are always changing and the infection can present itself in people differently. The best way to protect from the flu is with a vaccine.
What kinds of vaccines are available?
According to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention, “traditional flu vaccines made to protect against three different flu viruses (called “trivalent” vaccines) are available. In addition, flu vaccines made to protect against four different flu viruses (called “quadrivalent” vaccines) also are available.
Trivalent flu vaccine protects against two influenza A viruses (an H1N1 and an H3N2) and an influenza B virus. The following trivalent flu vaccines are available:
- Standard-dose trivalent shots (IIV3)
- An intradermal trivalent shot.
- A high-dose trivalent shot, approved for people 65 and older.
- A trivalent shot containing virus grown in cell culture
- A recombinant trivalent shot that is egg-free
The quadrivalent flu vaccine protects against two influenza A viruses and two influenza B viruses. The following quadrivalent flu vaccines are available:
- A quadrivalent flu shot.
- A quadrivalent nasal spray vaccine, approved for people 2 through 49 years of age”
So how do you know which ones to choose?
There is not one vaccine recommended over another, according to the CDC, with one exception. “Starting in 2014-2015, CDC recommends use of the nasal spray vaccine for healthy children 2 years through 8 years of age” For more information on flu vaccines, check out these Flu Facts from the CDC.
Northwind is your partner when it comes to choosing the right medication for dispensing. Contact us today to learn how our solutions can help you take out the guess work and effectively dispense with confidence.
