focus on health
::: well-being :::
Flu Vaccines by Type
Trivalent inactivated influenza
vaccine (TIV) is an inactive (not
live) vaccine. It's administered in
shot form, and doctors consider
it safe for people older than six
months. Of people who get flu
vaccines, 90 percent receive the
TIV. TIV is not recommended for
people who experience severe
allergic reactions to eggs, those
with a severe active illness,
people who have had a severe
allergic reaction to a flu shot,
or those with Guillain-Barre
Syndrome that developed after
receiving a flu vaccine.
Live attenuated influenza
vaccine (LAIV) is an active
vaccine. It's administered through
a nasal spray and is considered
safe for people who are not
pregnant and are between the
ages of two and 49.
Take 3
1. Take time
to get the flu
vaccine.
2. Take everyday precautions to
stop the spread of germs:
• Wash your hands often with soap
and water, or use an alcohol-based
hand sanitizer.
• Avoid contact with sick people.
• If you are sick, stay home and limit
contact with others as much
as possible.
• Cover your nose and mouth with a
tissue when you cough or sneeze, and
immediately throw the tissue in the
trash and wash your hands.
• Clean and disinfect surfaces and
objects that may be contaminated with
germs like the flu.
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose and
mouth, as germs spread this way.
Seasonal variations were also apparent. Some seasons, flu vaccines did
not appear to be very effective. During seasons when the vaccine matched
the actual influenza strains in the population, efficacy levels reached 70 to
90 percent in adults, so effectiveness relies greatly on the ability of modern
medicine to predict ever-evolving strains of the influenza virus and customize
the vaccine to fight them.
Protect Yourself
In short, considering CDC estimations that an annual average of 6,309
deaths from 1996 through 2007 had underlying influenza or pneumonia causes,
a flu shot is a good idea for most people. The vaccine is strongly recommended
for those at high risk: children between 6 months and 18 years old, adults older
than 50, women who may become pregnant, people who live in nursing homes,
adults with chronic conditions and people who care for children younger than
six months old.
Flu season in the US typically starts in the fall and peaks in January or
February, but it can last well into spring. If you haven't had a flu vaccine this
season, consult your primary care provider about the vaccine type that's best
for you.
TO FIND A PHYSICIAN NEAR YOU, CALL 1-888-321-DOCS.
The CDC recommends the following
"Take 3" actions to fight the flu:
3. Take flu
antiviral drugs
if your doctor
prescribes them.
According to the
Centers for Disease
Control and Prevention,
between five and 20
percent of Americans
get the flu every year.
The composition of
flu vaccination varies
annually based on the
strains of influenza
virus that public health
officials expect to
be prevalent.
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