What Types of Flu Vaccinations Are Available?

Due to certain past events such as the 1918 flu pandemic and the unfavorable swine flu side effects many people are curious about the different types of flu vaccinations available to them on the market.

There are two main types of flu vaccinations available. There is the typical “flu shot” that involves a needle in the arm. This type of vaccination contains an inactivated (killed off) flu virus that still promotes an immune response against that particular strain of flu virus. This type of vaccinations recommended for those who are older than 6 months and is safe for those with chronic diseases such as diabetes and heart disease. The other type of flu vaccination available now is the flu nasal mist. This is the form that the swine flu vaccine comes in. This type is made with a live, weakened virus that in most healthy people does not produce disease. This is generally safe for those 2-50 years old and is not recommended for pregnant women.

Every year the flu viruses found in these different types of flu vaccinations changes and therefor these are called “seasonal”. Because of this it is recommended to obtain a flu shot yearly to stay up to date on the latest flu virus circulating in the environment.

Influenza rates seem to spike in January so it is important to get vaccination as early as October and into the December month to prevent the side effects of the flu.

Certain people should not get the flu vaccination such as those with extreme chicken egg allergies, those already suffering from an illness with a fever, children less than 6 months and those who have had an allergic reaction to the flu vaccine in the past.

So,learn from the past and don’t let the 1918 flu pandemic become another reality and avoid the unnecessary swine flu side effects, get vaccinated!

The information supplied in this article is not to be considered as medical advice and is for educational purposes only.