Here are some questions and answers about flu vaccinations:
Q: How does the new skin-deep vaccine work?
A: Sanofi Pasteur’s Fluzone Intradermal uses a needle less than a tenth of an inch long to inject vaccine just below the skin’s surface. This layer, called the dermis, is so rich in a certain type of immune cell that the new shot uses a lower dose of the same vaccine that’s in regular flu shots. Studies found it triggered as much protection as full-strength muscle shots — although it did cause more skin reactions like redness, swelling and itching. It’s only for use in adults.
Q: What about the original ouchless flu vaccine, the nasal-spray version?
A: MedImmune’s FluMist is for a different age group, people ages 2 to 49 who are healthy, meaning no one with underlying health conditions or who is pregnant.
Q: For older adults, does CDC recommend the high-dose shot?
A: The immune system weakens with age so that it doesn’t respond as well to an ordinary flu shot. Sanofi’s Fluzone High-Dose is a standard into-the-muscle shot, but it contains four times the usual dose, to spur more immune response in people 65 and older. First sold last year, studies still are underway to track if that translates into fewer illnesses and hospitalizations.
Q: Who’s at highest risk from flu?
A: Young children, anyone 50 or older, anyone with chronic medical conditions such as asthma and certain heart or kidney problems, and pregnant women. A flu vaccination during pregnancy has the added benefit of passing some protection to the baby.
Q: When should I get vaccinated?
A: Anytime, but it takes about two weeks for protection to kick in. Flu typically starts circulating around November, and peaks around January. Some chain pharmacies started vaccinating a month ago. The Associated Press
