Flu Shot

The flu vaccine helps prevent some strains of influenza and is administered with a needle usually in the arm. The vaccine contains inactivated influenza. In the United States, the vaccine is approved for anyone over the age of six months in the injectable formulations,CDC: Key Facts About Seasonal Flu Vaccine although the inhaled mist is not recommended for patients 2 and under or over 50Immunize.org Summary of Recommendations for Adult Immunizations. For more info, see Mahalo's page on How to Get a Flu Shot.

Due to the outbreak of swine flu, the World Health Organization (WHO) needs to determine when to ask vaccine makers to produce a vaccination for the potential pandemic. In order to make this decision, the WHO needs to consider if there is adequate supply of the regular flu vaccine for next year's flu season. Vaccine manufacturers cannot make two vaccines at once because they will then exceed capacity.Seattle Times: WHO will take vaccine gamble with swine flu (May 1, 2009)

The vaccine contains different viruses each year, depending on projections made about likely flu types to protect against. Certain risk groups are specifically recommended for vaccination, typically the very young (six months to 19 years) and the older (50 and up). Other high-risk groups can include pregnant women, chronic illness sufferers, and other demographics. Some animals are also vaccinated using formulations of flu vaccines, such as horsesUAE Equestrian And Racing Federation Veterinary and swineNational Hog Farmer Swine Flu Virus Turns Endemic.

• Low-grade fever
• Aches
• Headaches
• Soreness at injection site
• Nasal congestion (inhaled mist)
• Wheezing (inhaled mist)
• Coughing (inhaled mist)

The content in this page is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Please contact your doctor about the flu shot.

• FDA: Influenza Virus Vaccines

• American Lung Association: Find a Flu Clinic