Influenza Vaccine 2015-2016 Facts

I think that most people would agree that getting a flu shot is a good idea. But are you confused about which vaccine to get this year? If so, you are not alone. There are live vaccines and killed vaccines, trivalent and quadrivalent, high dose and regular dose. No wonder it’s so confusing.
Here’s a brief overview that should help you decide but in most cases it’s best to consult with your physician directly to find out which vaccine is best for YOU.
All of the 2015-2016 influenza vaccine is made to protect against the following three viruses:

•an A/California/7/2009 (H1N1)pdm09-like virus
•an A/Switzerland/9715293/2013 (H3N2)-like virus
•a B/Phuket/3073/2013-like virus. (This is a B/Yamagata lineage virus)
Some of the 2015-2016 flu vaccine is quadrivalent vaccine and also protects against an additional B virus (B/Brisbane/60/2008-like virus). This is a B/Victoria lineage virus.
Vaccines that provide protection against three viruses are called trivalent vaccines. Vaccines that give protection against four viruses are called quadrivalent vaccines.
A few years ago the FDA approved a high dose vaccine to be given to seniors aged 65 and older. Initially we only had data that proved a higher antibody titer after administration of the high dose vaccine but now we also have clinical data showing that the high dose vaccine prevents more cases of flu in that population.
The choice is yours but we’re here to help 🙂
Call the office today to schedule your shot.