Types Of Flu Shots For Seniors
As you age, its normal for your body to respond less to vaccines. Older people who get the flu shot generally have a weaker immune response than younger people who get the vaccine. But the vaccine is still effective in reducing medical visits and hospitalizations for the flu.
Some flu shots are designed to cause a stronger immune response. These flu vaccines can offer greater protection for people 65 and older. There are two types of senior flu shots that are licensed only for people 65 and older.
Delivery Of The Flu Shot In 2021
Not all flu shots are the same. Some arent even shots. Here are your 2021 flu vaccine options:
Nasal Spray: The nasal spray vaccine is the only kind to include a live attenuated influenza vaccine. Although it cant give you the flu, it does have a higher likelihood of inducing flu-like symptoms. This vaccine does not contain thimerosal or other preservatives. Its available only for patients aged 2 to 49.
For: People who cant stand the needle or jet spray or who want to avoid preservatives.
Inactivated shots are usually given with a needle, but Afluria Quadrivalent can be given to adults with a jet injector, which is basically a high-powered spray that penetrates the skin.
For: Needles can be used for everyone aged 6 months and older. The jet spray is approved for adults aged 18 to 64.
Antivirals: What To Do When You Already Have The Flu
When you come down with the flu, antiviral medicine can shorten its duration. The FDA has approved six influenza antiviral drugs in the U.S. But theyre all in somewhat short supply, so you might not be given them if youre not a child or elderly. This is why we get our flu shots, people!
The antiviral you probably already know goes by the brand name of Tamiflu, which you can get over the counter with relative ease even if youre not young or elderly. This drug, along with two others that work in the same manner , block an enzyme the virus needs to replicate. They can shave up to a day off your illness, but they need multiple doses to keep the drug working. Tamiflu, for instance, requires patients to take it twice a day for five days.
The newest antiviral, Baloxavir marboxil , is a single-dose antiviral drug approved in 2019 by the FDA. Baloxavir is for people with basic flu who are 12 years and older and have had symptoms for less than 48 hours. In a phase 2 trial published by The New England Journal of Medicine, it shaved off upwards of 28 hours of flu symptoms . This antiviral stands out in that its the only one that gets to the root of replication, messing with the virus RNA to stop it from reproducing. Also, its one of the only ones to come in a single dose, so you can pop it once and forget about it.
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Evergreen Flu Vaccine Ingredients: The Preservatives And Additives
Beyond the three to four viral components, a number of additives and preservatives are required to make vaccines effective and to keep them from going bad. These ingredients, sometimes covered as trade secrets by drug companies in less public drugs, have led to many a conspiracy theory that anti-vaxxers would have you latch onto. Its really much more boring than that.
Here are some of the ingredients you will find in the 2021-2022 flu vaccine and why theyre there.
The Ingredient: Aluminum Salts
Use: Boosts bodys response to the vaccine
The Ingredient: Sugar or gelatin
In: Most vaccines
In: Few flu vaccines only multi-dose vials
Use: Preservative
The CDC says: Thimerosal has a different form of mercury than the kind that causes mercury poisoning . Its safe to use ethylmercury in vaccines because its processed differently in the body and its less likely to build up in the body and because its used in tiny amounts. Even so, most vaccines do not have any thimerosal in them.
The Ingredient: Egg proteins
In: Some vaccines
Use: Growing the vaccine
The CDC says: Because influenza and yellow fever vaccines are both made in eggs, egg proteins are present in the final products. However, there are two new flu vaccines now available for people with egg allergies.
How To Schedule Your Flu Shot
If you already have a primary care appointment scheduled, you can request a flu shot during that appointment. Otherwise, book your flu shot by calling your primary care office or , or direct scheduling in myUCLAhealth.
Direct schedule your flu shot: To direct schedule your flu shot, login to myUCLAhealth. Navigate to “Visits” and select “Schedule an Appointment.” Under appointment types, select “Flu Vaccine Only.” Answer all screening questions related to COVID-19, select a location and available time, and hit “Schedule.”
Extended and weekend hours in select clinics: For your convenience, we offer extended and weekend hours for flu vaccinations in our immediate care locations and many primary care offices.
50 Plus Program: Flu shots will be available at no cost for members of the UCLA Health 50 Plus Program at any CVS MinuteClinic and inside select CVS/Pharmacy and Target locations in Southern California. If youre a current 50 Plus Program member and would like to receive the flu vaccine voucher, please call .
To join the 50 Plus Program and receive a flu voucher with your new member packet, please call 800-516-5323 or fill out an online application.
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Can I Get Any Other Vaccines When I Get My Flu Shot
Yes, our pharmacists can administer many vaccinations such as Shingles, Pneumonia, Hepatitis, HPV, Meningitis, Tetanus, MMR, and more. If youre not sure what you need, ask our pharmacist for a free immunization screening. Available vaccinations vary by location and are subject to state law restrictions.
Flu Vaccine Ingredients: The Strains
Every year, vaccine developers take virus samples from labs across the world and mix and match them. This years vaccine relies on four viruses this is called a quadrivalent vaccine. The four viruses in the vaccine are somewhat different for the three different types of flu vaccines, which are egg-based , recombinant, and egg-free.
Those viruses are
Apdm09
First, lets break down the terminology: A refers to the type of influenza that infects birds, humans, pigs, horses, seals, and dogs H#N# refers to the different proteins found in the outer shell of the virus pdm is short for pandemic and 09 is the year of said pandemic .
This years Apdm09 component is different for flu vaccines that are egg-based compared to those that are cell-based and recombinant-based. For egg-based vaccines, the component changed from an A/Guangdong-Maonan/SWL1536/2019 pdm09-like virus to an A/Victoria/2570/2019pdm09-like virus. That means a flu strain akin to the one seen in the 2009 pandemic that was created in 2019 in a lab in Victoria is replacing the strain created in 2019 in the Maonan district of Guangdong.
For cell-based and recombinant vaccines, the component changed from an A/Hawaii/70/2019 pdm09-like virus to an A/Wisconsin/588/2019 pdm09-like virus.
The second component is a variant of the 2009 H1N1 swine flu. H3N2 was first found in pigs in 2010, then in humans in 2011. The biggest human outbreak was in 2012 with some 309 reported cases.
Influenza B
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Getting A Flu Vaccine: Four Steps
Community care flu shots are available to eligible Veterans who:
- Are enrolled in the VA health care system AND
- Received care through VA from either a VA or community provider within the past 24 monthsNOTE: Second requirement is new for 2021-2022 flu season.
To check your eligibility, Veterans can:
Call 800-MyVA411 , select option 1 , then select option 3 , and then option 1 again .NOTE: The system will check your eligibility for the community urgent care benefit, which includes the flu vaccine.
Contact your local VA medical facility.
Veterans can get a flu shot without prior authorization. Flu vaccines provided include standard , high dose, and preservative-free.
NOTE: Family members and beneficiaries are not eligible. State, age and health-related restrictions may apply. Individuals who are not eligible and receive a flu vaccine may be liable for the cost of the vaccine.
Where To Get Vaccinated
Los Angeles and surrounding counties have flu vaccine offered for free at one-day clinics and at county public health centers while available. Alternately, many grocery store and pharmacy chains have the vaccine available without an appointment.
Clinics and Public Health Agencies
The Los Angeles County Department of Public Health is offering flu vaccines at no charge to people who don’t have health insurance or whose healthcare provider does not offer flu vaccines.
Orange County Health Care Agency Immunization Clinic
1725 W. 17th Street
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What Is The Flu
Influenza is an infectious respiratory disease. Generally, the flu may resolve on its own. However, if the flu goes untreated, you may be at risk for complications that can be life-threatening. Those that might be at a higher risk of severe flu complications include children under 5, adults over 65, pregnant women, and people with chronic illnesses or compromised immune systems. If you fall into any of these categories, it is essential that you take strides towards flu prevention by getting your flu shot at MinuteClinic. The flu shot works by exposing you to an inactive flu virus and the flu vaccines cause antibodies to develop in the body after vaccination. These antibodies will help to protect you if you are exposed to the flu virus. Essentially, getting a flu shot prepares your body to fight the flu.
Before Taking This Medicine
You may not be able to receive Flucelvax Quadrivalent f you are allergic to eggs, or if you have ever had a severe allergic reaction to a flu vaccine.
Tell your vaccination provider if you have:
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a weak immune system or
-
a history of Guillain-Barre syndrome .
You can still receive a vaccine if you have a minor cold. In the case of a more severe illness with a fever or any type of infection, wait until you get better before receiving Flucelvax Quadrivalent vaccine.
Tell your vaccination provider if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends that pregnant women get a flu shot during any trimester of pregnancy to protect themselves and their newborn babies from flu. The nasal spray form of influenza vaccine is not recommended for use in pregnant women.
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Who Is At Risk
While anyone can contract the flu there are people who are at higher risk. As a result the flu can create serious issues for them that can potentially be life threatening.
Children younger than 5, but especially children younger than 2 years old Adults 65 years of age and older Pregnant women Also, last flu season, American Indians and Alaskan Natives seemed to be at higher risk of flu complications People who have medical conditions including asthma, heart disease, and more People younger than 19 years of age who are receiving long-term aspirin therapy People who are morbidly obese
What Other Drugs Will Affect Flucelvax Quadrivalent
If you are using any of these medications, you may not be able to receive the vaccine, or may need to wait until the other treatments are finished:
-
steroid medicine
-
medications to treat psoriasis, rheumatoid arthritis, or other autoimmune disorders or
-
medicines to treat or prevent organ transplant rejection.
This list is not complete. Other drugs may interact with Flucelvax Quadrivalent, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. Not all possible drug interactions are listed here.
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Side Effects Of The Flu Vaccine
Similar to other types of vaccinations, theres a risk of side effects with the flu shot. Common side effects may include tenderness or redness at the injection site.
In addition, some people experience mild flu-like symptoms for 1 to 2 days after vaccination. This can include weakness, body aches, or a fever, but this isnt the flu.
You might have issues if youre severely allergic to eggs or another ingredient in the vaccine.
Signs of a serious reaction include:
- breathing difficulty
- dizziness
Life threatening allergic reactions are rare after getting the flu shot, though.
Symptoms of a reaction occur within a few hours of vaccination. If you do have symptoms of an allergic reaction, seek immediate medical attention.
The CDC recommends people with an egg allergy still get a flu shot. If you have a severe egg allergy, you may consider getting your flu shot in a medical setting that can treat allergic reactions. You can also request a vaccine that doesnt contain egg protein.
You may have to avoid vaccination if youre allergic to another ingredient in the vaccine.
In rare cases, Guillain-Barré syndrome may develop within days or weeks of a vaccination.
Guillain- Barré syndrome is a neurological disorder where the bodys immune system attacks the peripheral nervous system. This condition can cause muscle weakness and paralysis.
Among those who receive a vaccination, theres only
Free Shots Without Insurance
According to GoodRx, many county health departments offer free flu shots during flu seasonwith or without insurance. Contact your county’s health department to see if you can benefit from this service. Even if you don’t have health insurance , you may be able to get the jab without cost through local churches and synagogues, free clinics, and community centers.
“Last flu season, the CDC reported record numbers of people vaccinated against the flu, and we experienced a near non-existent flu season,” Kevin Ban, MD, chief medical officer at Walgreens, told Health. “This shows that the flu shots, combined with other preventive measures, remain the best way to fight off flu.”
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Flu Shots Are Still Important This Year Get Yours Free At One Of These Locations
Last year’s flu season may have seemed pretty mild, as mask-wearing and social distancing helped to reduce the spread of both flu and COVID-19. But with flu season on the horizon again, and many hospitals already overwhelmed by the Delta variant, we need to be especially vigilant this year and that means getting your flu shot! Experts recommend getting the flu vaccine as early as possible, starting in September, before the virus begins to spread in the fall and winter. Even if you’re late to the party, though, it’s better to get the shot than skip it altogether.
None of us want to spend more time in a clinic or doctor’s office than we need to, which is why a quick, easy, and free flu shot at a retail location might be your best bet. A number of pharmacies, box stores, and supermarkets offer in-store flu shots for free for most people. In many cases, you don’t even need an appointment. For your convenience, we’ve put together a list of some popular locations offering free flu shots this year. Just remember to check availability at your location before heading out!
Supermarkets And Big Box Stores
Most of the country’s large grocery store chains, including Stop & Shop, Kroger, and Safeway, have pharmacies on the premises that offer free flu shots with most health insurance plans. Even stores without pharmacies may sponsor pop-up flu shot clinics on site. You can also grab a flu shot when you’re making your weekly bulk-grocery run to Sam’s Club or Costco.
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How The Fda Evaluates Vaccine Safety
The FDA is tasked with ensuring the safety of vaccines. Before any vaccine is approved, it is tested by its manufacturer with three separate clinical trials, the last of which involves hundreds or thousands of participants. After the vaccine is licensed, it is monitored for any adverse events through the nationwide Vaccine Adverse Event Reporting System . If the CDC reviews the VAERS data and decides it is unsafe, the vaccine will be withdrawn from the market.
What Can I Expect When Getting A Flu Shot At Minuteclinic In Whitefish Bay Wi
Our staff is trained to help you understand risks of the flu as well as administer the flu vaccine. During your visit, you will also learn about ways to help prevent the flu this season. The Center for Disease Control and Prevention advises that people six months of age or older be vaccinated against influenza annually. Since youre likely to fall into that criteria, you can just stop by the MinuteClinic at 240 E Hampton Rd and get your flu shot at your convenience while picking up your prescriptions or same-day photo order!
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Why The Flu Vaccine Is Important
The flu vaccine has been proven to reduce the risk of death, hospitalization, health complications, and illness from the flu. Those that get vaccinated but still contract the flu are likely to have less severe symptoms. Vaccination results in fewer school days missed and limits the spread of the illness among family members.
Most kids who get the flu don’t get seriously ill, but some do. Even some otherwise healthy children can have serious complications from flu. And every year, some children die from the flu.
How Much Influenza Vaccine Is Projected To Be Available For The 2021
Flu vaccine is produced by private manufacturers, so supply depends on manufacturers. Vaccine manufacturers have projected that they will supply the United States with as many as 188 million to 200 million doses of influenza vaccine for the 2021-2022 season. These projections may change as the season progresses. All flu vaccines for the 2021-2022 season will be quadrivalent . Most will be thimerosal-free or thimerosal-reduced vaccine and about 18% of flu vaccines will be egg-free.
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