Influenza Vaccine 2010–11: Who Should Get Vaccinated Against Flu?

Oct 10, 2010
Tami Port

FluMist Is the Live Attenuated Influenza Vaccine - James Gathany, CDC, Public Domain, PHIL #11864

This year one vaccine is required to prevent influenza. The vaccine comes in three varieties: live FluMist, and two inactivated formulations. Which to get?

The 2010-2011 flu season is almost here. In North America, influenza appears in late October and the season can last into early spring, ending when the warmer, more humid weather begins. With the combined impact of seasonal influenza and the novel H1N1 swine flu virus still fresh in the public's mind, there seems to be plenty to worry about. But there is good news. Unlike last year, this flu season there is a single influenza vaccine that is effective against both seasonal influenza and novel H1N1 swine flu.

Is the H1N1 Swine Flu Still a Threat?

According to the World Health Organization (WHO) and the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), the novel H1N1 swine flu virus is no longer considered a global public health emergency. Over time and as more people have been exposed, new viruses, such as last years swine flu, tend to lose their virulence (ability to cause severe illness). The traditional seasonal flu and the new H1N1 have also been co-circulating and co-mingling, essentially “watering down” the virulence of the novel H1N1 virus.

Who Should Get Vaccinated Against Influenza?

This year the CDC’s overall recommendation is simple: “Everyone 6 months and older should get a flu vaccine as soon as vaccine is available this fall.” This year’s flu vaccine protects against three different influenza viruses:

H3N2 virus - a subtype of the influenza A virus that causes seasonal influenza (flu) in birds as well as humans, and other mammals
Influenza B virus – an influenza virus that only infects humans and seals
Novel H1N1 Swine Flu – the virus that caused so much trouble in the 2009–2010 flu season, and that, last year, required a separate vaccine in addition to the shot that worked against the seasonal flu

Should You Get the Live Attenuated or the Inactivated Vaccine?

Although there is only one influenza vaccine this year, there are actually three different formulations, each appropriate for a different segment of the population.

Live Attenuated Influenza Vaccine: This vaccine contains active, but weakened influenza viruses. It is administered as a nose spray known as FluMist®. The viruses in this mist need to reproduce once inside the body in order to generate immunity to the flu. The weakened viruses, however, will not cause a healthy person to develop influenza. FluMist® is recommended for healthy individuals 2 – 49 years of age, excluding pregnant women.
Inactivated Influenza Vaccine: The inactivated, or killed virus vaccine, is administered as an injection into the muscle. Because this vaccine does not contain an active virus, it is safe for a wider range of individuals, including children as young as 6 months of age, people with chronic medical conditions, pregnant woman and other adults of any age.
High-dose Inactivated Influenza Vaccine: The Fluzone high-dose vaccine is available to people 65 years or older. As a person ages, his or her immune system becomes less effective and responsive. A higher dose of vaccine helps better promote resistance to influenza in the elderly.

Although vaccination is one of the most important steps a person can take to prevent developing influenza, there are many simple active measures that a person can take to remain healthy, including frequent hand washing. See the Centers for Disease Control CDC Influenza web page to learn more about this year's flu season and what you can do to protect yourself.

This article is for information purposes only and is not intended to take the place of the advice of a trained medical professional. If you think that you or a loved one are ill, please see a doctor, not a computer.

Additional Sources

Mayo Clinic (2010) Influenza (flu).

World Health Organization (September 2010). WHO Influenza pages.

Centers for Disease Control (2010). Vaccine Information Sheet “What You Need to Know: Influenza Vaccine 2010-11”.

Tami Port - Tami Port is a college professor of cell and microbiology and creator of ScienceProfOnline.com, a free science education website.

Who Should Get Vaccinated Against Influenza? - James Gathany, CDC, Public Domain, PHIL #9424

Is the Novel H1N1 Virus Still a Threat? - Cybercogra, Wiki, Creative Commons

Diagram of Influenza Virus - Public Health Image Library, #11881

Who Need a Flu Shot? - Public Health Image Library

Comments

Oct 10, 2010 5:26 PM

Guest :

They should not allow anyone to use the flu shot until they can prove beyond a shadow of a doubt the virus based 'shot' or nose innoculation is safe. Imho.

"Czech newspapers are questioning if the shocking discovery of vaccines contaminated with the deadly avian flu virus which were distributed to 18 countries by the American company Baxter were part of a conspiracy to provoke a pandemic."

Oct 10, 2010 7:07 PM

Tami Port :

To the Oct 10 commenter:

There are risks to everything...walking out the door every day is a risk, as is staying home. One always has to weigh risks against the benefits.

As far as risk goes, vaccination against infectious disease is an impressively successful and positive aspect of modern medicine. The smallpox virus, for example, killed hundreds of millions in the 20th century alone. It is now ERADICATED, no longer found in the wild, due to worldwide vaccinations programs.

Although there are, of course, risks to vaccination, overall the benefits far outweigh the risks. Still, it seems that for every potentially legitimate tale of caution, fear mongering surrounding vaccinations of any type is rampant, and dangerous, as nonfactual information put out there by anyone with an uninformed opinion may prevent someone from getting a vaccine that could save their life, or the life of a family member.

No need to believe me, or the previous commenter. If you want legitimate, sound information, look to the websites of the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) or the World Health Organization (WHO) for recommendations on health care issues. These organizations staff well-educated and experienced medical experts in infectious disease. I'd certainly value their opinions over those of most others, certainly more than the opinion of an e-zine article's anonymous commenter.

Oct 11, 2010 8:16 AM

Guest :

Thanks for posting info on the flu vaccine as well as other ways to help prevent infection. Flu can be deadly, so hope everyone checks with their providers to see what they need to do to stay healthy this year.

Oct 19, 2010 11:33 AM

dhenley :

I feel it would be irresponsible not to immunize my children. Immunization gives my children and those around my children the best possible chance of fighting off infectious diseases by boosting their immune system against specific attacks. Have we forgotten polio and smallpox were eradicated through diligent immunization?
The federal government does not allow vaccines to be administered until they are properly tested by scientists and medical professionals so overall safety should not be a concern. Just always check your FACTS when considering a specific vaccination and never trust unsupported opinions.

Oct 19, 2010 9:17 PM

Cynthia Thomas :

I found this article to be rather helpful and intriguing. I have been doing some research and discovered the most common side effects from the flu vaccines is soreness, redness, tenderness or swelling where the flu shot was given and nasal congestion after the flu vaccine nasal spray. The viruses in the flu shot are dead, so you cannot get the flu from a flu shot. The viruses in the nasal-spray vaccine are weakened and do not cause severe symptoms associated with influenza. Also people who have a severe allergy to chicken eggs or to any other substance in the vaccine should not be vaccinated. Research also shows that conditions such as asthma, diabetes or heart problems may increase the risk of complications with the flu vaccine. So far, it all sounds as though getting vaccinated would be well worth the risk. Yet, I discovered on the Vaccine Safety Data Link on the CDC website, that it may not be worth the risk. Their research states that “Following the introduction of newly licensed intranasal influenza vaccine in Switzerland in October 2000, 46 cases of Bell's palsy were noted among people who received the vaccine.” I found this to be rather concerning. The CDC has been closely studying this connection between the vaccine and Bell’s palsy. According to the VSD, their study has been concluded and their results should be available soon. I have gotten the influenza vaccine every year since I have become an adult, but now find myself wondering if it is worth the risk.

Oct 20, 2010 5:28 AM

Amanda Strahan :

I myself never use to get the flu shot (never paid much attention to it). Now that I am a parent, I make sure my whole family gets immunized every year. Once I had someone else to be responsible for I started paying closer attention to the immunization. With any immunization you have to read the fact sheets so you can make an informed decision. The seasonal flu alone kills THOUSANDS of people each year, and there are only a very small percentage of people that get severe side effect from the immunization. Most side effects include headache, aches and pains, cough and tiredness. To me it is a much greater risk to not getting immunized then it is to take 5 minutes out your busy day to go get a shot that could potentially save your life. Getting a flu shot (or any immunization) not only protects you, but it also protects the community around you. I am not saying that everyone has to get it, but you should at least get the facts and do what is right for you and their family.

Oct 22, 2010 6:28 AM

HZemitans :

With the progression of technology and medical science we are an extremely fortunate generation to have vaccines available to us. Even from when I was a child receiving vaccines to now, there have been new and improved vaccines-that's amazing!!
The flu vaccines that are available contain either dead or weakened strains which exposes our body to it without infecting us as if we were to have the flu. This gives our immune system a "sneak peak" in what to look for if we were to get the flu and the ability to fight it off.
As with anything, there is risk involved. As stated on the CDC website, minor risks involve pain, swelling, redness of puncture area and low grade fever. There are few severe risks and are very rare. These risks are usually because of an allergic reaction, not because the vaccine itself wasn't safe.
I feel that the risks are minimal and are less threatening than taking the risk in not being protected and dying from the flu, as do thousands of people every year who aren’t vaccinated. I think with most topics that are controversial there will always be pros and cons. But in my opinion, the pros are far outnumbered by the cons. My family and I will be vaccinated this year, and every year.

Oct 22, 2010 12:50 PM

Shernita Mcintosh :

I don’t necessary believe you have to get a flu shoot to avoid getting the flu. Some flu shots have side effects that could cause more harm to people then just by simply not getting the shot. I have read in different articles how some flu shot could cause death. I have gone many years without getting a shot. I think it necessary for people to get the flu shoot if you believe have a low immune system then I would recommend getting the flu shoot because your chances are higher getting sick. But if you’re a health individual your body should fight off some of the viruses. Every year were going to come across different viruses does that mean we have to get a shot for everything? There are other ways to help fight off the flu such as washing your hands frequently and building your immune system up by in taking more Vitamin C. Vitamin D is another good source that acts as an antibiotic to stop the virus from spreading within the body. Even some the vaccine doesn’t help fight out some of the viruses that out there so there still a pretty good chance of you getting the flu. In my opinion the best thing do is avoid a lot of sugar and omega 6 oils because those two things help weaken the immune system. Taking a vitamin a day, eating garlic, exercising, and get enough rest is the best way of avoiding the flu.

Oct 22, 2010 2:16 PM

Joshua Knobloch :

FLU SHOTS CAN NOT GIVE YOU THE FLU!! People who are immune compromised, such as already having a cold, may feel worse after receiving a flu vaccine. But people with healthy immune systems should feel fine after receiving a flu vaccine. I believe all members of society age 6 months and older should get a flu vaccine. People who are not vaccinated are putting the rest of society at a greater risk for spreading the flu. By getting a flu shot you are introducing your immune system to the influenza and preparing to fight the virus when actual exposure happens. Your immune system will recognize the virus and be able to react a lot quicker than if you do not get the vaccine. Without the vaccine your body could take up to two weeks to start fighting the virus. With the vaccine your immune system will only take up to a few days to recognize the virus, making it a lot more efficient and stronger.

Oct 23, 2010 8:01 AM

andrea snyder :

my opinion on the influenza vaccination is that individuals should do their own resreach on the influenza vaccine. then decide with their doctor weather it's right for them. I feel that the vaccine can help you from getting some symptoms of influenza in some people but in others it can make the symptoms more pronouced.(andrea snyder)

Oct 24, 2010 12:21 PM

Paige Barnes :

I think everyone 6 months and up should receive the influenza vaccine not only for 2010-2011 but for every year. The side effects that the CDC explain are very easily dealt with. With the flu shot you can receive soreness and some redness on around where the shot took place, a fever or little aching can occur. With the LAIV (nasal spray) there can be some minor headaches and running noses. These are all very minor things compared to death, which takes thousands of peoples lives every year from pure ignorance of not getting the Influenza Vaccine. The fact that they have made two types of ways to get the vaccine shows that it is that crucial to get it. I have asthma and that is a chronic medical condition so I will be receiving the flu shot and not the LAIV. They both work, and do not cause the flu. By getting the vaccine you are telling your body to be prepared and giving it a heads up so that if you are exposed to Influenza your body can fight it off much faster then if your body had no heads up at all. Every family has to make there own decision on whether it’s the right thing for them or not, but I know that it is the right thing for all of my family members whether they want to do LAIV or the flu shot, it least they are helping themselves be prepared to get through this years flu season.

Oct 24, 2010 1:26 PM

katie luczak :

I had received my first flu shot, since I was a young child, this year. I feel like with all the different influenza's that are among us, it is important to protect our body and health, the best we can. By getting immunized every year we are helping our body more than we are harming, so why not take some time out of are day to potentially increase our immunity to the viruses that linger around us. Whomever your physician is, they will help you make the right decision on which formulation will work best with your body... their authoritative decision will decrease your chances of any side effects that some people come across or even whether or not the immunization is right for you.

Oct 24, 2010 4:19 PM

Taylor Sheskey :

I must say prior to reading this article and other flu shot related material, I was a skeptic. I have seen and heard of complete fluke accidents immediately after the flu shots and I wasn’t sure if I was going to waste my money. After reading more about the flu shot, I feel that is very important that we invest in getting one once a year. Up until I was 18 my parents always got me vaccinated, but now that I am older they are no longer responsible for my health and with that being said I don’t think I will skip out now. Flu can be deadly and I don’t want to take any risk this year. It is definitely worth the money in my mind!

Oct 24, 2010 7:37 PM

Marcus Johnson :

Marcus Johnson. I think people should do there own research on the matter, figure out if it's the right move for them after talking to there doctor. But I myself never get a flu shot, and never get the flu, nock on wood. I suppose if I had a week immune system I would get the vaccine because I personally don't think there's any risk in it. But again that's just me. To each there own.

Oct 25, 2010 9:11 AM

Lorrie Kehoe :

I have been gettin flu shots for many years and will continue to do so. I knew they combined the seasonal with the H1N1, but didn't realize they were adding a third one. I would rather be protected from getting the flu, than to take my chances when so many people seem to be sick through the winter. It doesn't bother me whether I receive the shot or the mist, but I will try to get the mist for my children because it is less stressful for them. I have a mildly autistic child who is not the best at washing his hands very often, anything I can do to help prevent him from being sick I will do.

Oct 25, 2010 9:43 AM

yesonnda atkinson :

The flu shot has benn very imporant to me all my life every since i could remember my mother has been a big fan of it. now that i have children I make sure that the the flu H1N1 is a big part of their life. I think that it is good for everyone the young and the elderly. it keeps us all healthy

Oct 25, 2010 11:40 AM

Heather Shilling :

I feel that the flu shot is a great way of preventing people from getting sick, but at the same time i feel that it is a waste of money. People who are already sick and their immune system is not working properly are recommended to get the flu shot. Other people who are not sick and get the flu shot still get sick with another type of flu virus. Its a waste of time and money if your going to get sick anyways after getting the shot.

Oct 25, 2010 3:21 PM

chansen3704 :

I have received a flu vaccine for the past three years because I work in the healthcare field. I had never thought about getting one before then, but it is really important for healthcare worker's to not only protect themselves, but to protect the patients they are caring for. I have not contracted the flu, nor have I ever become ill after receiving the vaccine.
The 2010-2011 flu vaccine has been updated and it can protect you and your family against three types of flu viruses in a single vaccine! Why would everyone not want to get one?
I think it is irresponsible for people who care for or live with individuals at high risk not to receive a vaccine. High risk individual's such as children, the elderly, or those with medical conditions could become seriously ill, develop pnemonia or even die from a virus that isn't that serious in normal healthy individuals.

Nov 30, 2010 8:18 AM

goldylox3000 :

I have not had a flu vaccine since I was a child. I fear shots and was told by my mother that several years running I received the shot and got the flu. She decided to stop giving them to me and I stopped getting the flu. Recently I have learned that it is impossible to get the flu from the flu shot. There are many other factors in getting the flu and the vaccine is to help fight the flu and does not always stop you from getting it.
I have been doing research on various sites and I learned that the flu it is a respiratory disease that can seriously harm people with certain diseases such as asthma patients, those with HIV/AIDS and many other chronic lung diseases (too many to list). {found at the CDC website}
Based on this, I think I will be getting the vaccine this year. My decision is not because of the CDC or anyone else beyond my Mother-In-Law. She has COPD (a chronic lung condition) and is in the last stages. I feel it is the right thing for ME to do, so I can help protect her.
I think people should look it up and see for themselves what is right for them. I feel it is no ones' business but their own what they do. However, if you know you could seriously harm a loved one then it is very important to take the proper steps in keeping them and yourself safe.

Dec 5, 2010 4:45 PM

Rochelle Stimson :

This is the first year that I’ve gotten the Influenza Vaccine since I can remember because my work offered it for free. Before reading this article, I thought that the 2010-2011 Vaccine prevented you from getting the Seasonal Flu and the H1N1 virus, little did I know there was a third virus it helped protect against. Since anyone from 6 months of age and up can get it, parents should be doing their job and getting it for their kids and their selves. If everyone did their part and got the Vaccine, they would be not only helping themselves but all the public around them. You may be skeptical about getting the Vaccine because you have heard that the Flu Shot can give you the Flu, well that’s a myth! The viruses in the Vaccine are killed; therefore, they cannot cause infection. It’s up to you but the Influenza kills thousands of people a year, so you can either have a few side effects from getting the shot or risk missing days of work or school, paying multiple bills for doctor visit’s or becoming very ill.

Dec 7, 2010 10:57 PM

brooklynn myers :

Before I got pregnant with my daughter I believed every rumor about vaccinations. A month after she was born we finished readying all the pamphlets and decided it was best to vaccinate her. Since a baby’s immune system is not strong they are much more likely to get the virus. Influenza targets the nose lungs and throat with her being so young this virus could be even more fatal. Reading articles like this one and the mayo clinic’s I am reassured that I am doing the right thing. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimate that tens of thousands of people die every year in the U.S. That statistic is way too large for me to ignore; therefore at her next appointment she will be getting the influenza vaccination and so will her father and I so that we are all protected.

Dec 9, 2010 6:37 PM

Titania Martin :

This is America and people take "risks" and I was not one to take a risk on getting a flu vaccine, but I guess that makes me selfish because I always allowed my kids to take it and I realized nothing ever happened to them. I guess I was just scared and figured that there were people dying from the H1N1and I did not want to be one of those people. Now that I am educating my self on the H1N1 vaccine as well as the Influenza vaccine, and according to the CDC, and (WHO) the influenza vaccination are more safe and you only have to take one shot I think I will be calling my Dr. to get one. Taking the nose spray (FluMist) seems to be a better choice being that I get sick in the fall, winter, spring, and summer it should not matter, if this vaccine is going to help my immune system then why not give it a try.

Dec 11, 2010 6:41 AM

Kayleigh Heckman :

Waking up every morning you face a whole new day of challenges, and the flu shouldn't be one of them. I am a Rehabilitation Aide and come in contact with many people each day and I not only want to protect myself but everyone around me too. Many people fear being vaccinated because they think they may get sick from the vaccine. Not true! Although there are a few MINOR symptoms related to the vaccine: tenderness where shot given, swelling, fever, runny nose (due to nasal spray) or headache these are much easier to overcome than the flu itself. After reading information on the CDC website, I am 100% sure when i say, "The flu shot does NOT cause the flu." People who receive the vaccine and still get sick are those unlucky people who maybe came in contact with the virus before getting vaccinated. The FDA would not allow the vaccinations worldwide if they were causing the deadly virus, it's preventing it. If you were given the option to get sick or get vaccinated, wouldn't you choose getting vaccinated? I don't understand why people complain about something but do nothing to change the situation. I am a strong believer in getting vaccinated and hope more people choose to do so also. Remember, the Influenza vaccine (whether it be the shot or the nasal spray) does NOT cause the flu.

Dec 12, 2010 5:16 PM

Melissa Grissom :

This article along with readings from the cdc encouraged me even moreso than my teacher just how dangerous avoiding this shot really is...I am planning on taking my kids in for theirs anyway (should have done so a couple months ago) so they get immunized, and will get mine as well. It really hits home though when I heard someone from paw paw passed away just last year from H1N1 and he had no underlying medical conditions and was relatively young....So, as a result of learning just how dangerous it is to not get the shot, I have told all my family that they would be playing russian roulette with their lives!

Dec 14, 2010 12:44 PM

Justin Weeda :

While the human body was not originally designed to need a flu shot every year, over time the influenza virus (as well as other viruses) has developed and mutated in such a way as to avoid the body's immune system.
The question with the flu vaccines is whether or not a person should become vaccinated.
There will always be people for it. There will always be people against it.
The CDC recommends that everyone 6 years and older should become vaccinated as soon as possible. Personally I'd be most concerned about high-risk individuals such as children, the elderly, and health care workers.
Have I ever received the vaccine? No. But after reading the above article, and other articles related to flu vaccinations, I think it is more likely that I will consider a flu vaccination in the future. We may be putting ourselves in harm's way if we avoid the flu shot completely.

Dec 14, 2010 5:49 PM

Stacey Williamson :

There is a lot of different decisions that you have to make in life, either hard or simple decisions. You make these decisions on the things you know, things you don't know and the things people say. When it comes to vaccines, theres a lot of different information you get. The vaccines work and you don't get any viruses or it's the vaccines didn't work, or people got sick/defeiciencies from the vaccines. I normally am not the one to get a vaccine. Not because I don't think it will work or that something will happen to me, I always just think that i won't get the flu. Although the Swin flu did scare me quit a bit. I never did get the vaccine. I did take extra percautions though. Which is not an excuse or always work because you can still get the flu. I plan on still getting it this year or next year for sure.

Dec 15, 2010 8:43 AM

Linnea Stiles :

Comment from Linnea Stiles: Vaccinations play a key role in preventing diseases and sickness in our world today. We should consider ourselves very fortunate to have the vaccinations available to us to prevent infectious diseases. Influenza, it is proven, can make people very sick and at worst can take lives. Getting vaccinated has proven to prevent symptoms or at least lessen the severity of the illness. Not only do individuals benefit from the protection of a vaccine but also helps protect others by avoiding an illness that may be passed on.

Dec 15, 2010 12:08 PM

Sarah Plane :

Before I had children I never once thought about getting a flu vaccine. After doing some research I feel that I am doing what is best for my family by vaccinating! We are protecting ourselves and the people we come in contact with everyday. :)

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