Facts on New "All-in-One" Flu Vaccine 2010-11

Even though the H1N1 pandemic is behind us, active prevention is no less important for everyone. Proper and frequent hand washing, 7 to 9 hours of sleep nightly, and healthy eating are the best prevention of such hand to mouth contagious diseases.

However, people with weakened autoimmune systems, or healthy people who have frequent contact with them, are highly recommended to receive the new all-in-one flu vaccine this year. Only one dose of flu shot or nasal spray is needed this year. The newly combined H1N1 and annual seasonal flu vaccine ends the need for two different flu shots for most people.

Caremark health care company polled their members in the Caremark August 2010 Newsletter, asking: "Will you get the flu shot this year?" As of this publication, over 75% of responders are indicating that they will get vaccinated, about 15% will not, and 5% are not sure yet.

Those 75% may receive just one vaccine, but they still have question to answer: "Should I get the nasal spray or the flu shot vaccine?"

FluMist Vaccine Nasal Spray Facts

Getting a shot can bring tremendous anxiety, and some people will go to great lengths to avoid shots of any kind. The flu nasal spray vaccine called FluMist® may be an option for those wanting to receive protection from seasonal flu or H1N1 viruses. This year, the CDC (Center for Disease Control) says the nasal spray is formulated just like shot format, with H1N1 and seasonal flu virus protection combined together.

Flumist contains a weakened activated viruses of the H1N1, influenza A, and influenza B (also called H2N3). Healthy people as young as 2 years and up to age 49 may qualify for the spray instead of the shot. However, Sherry Tomfield's warnings from her September 23, 2009 article published at Associated Content: H1N1 FluMist Nasal Spray that Keeps on Giving is still timely advice. She suggests cautionary pause for those considering the spray option over the shot. Sherry says that, since the person who gets a FluMist vaccine can infect people who have certain illnesses or auto-immune disorders within 21 days of receiving the vaccine, how are they to know if someone nearby is at-risk? Think about movie theater crowds, grocery store lines, public door knobs, and more. So, the question remains, "Should anyone get the FluMist nasal spray vaccine?"

Although the healthy person won't likely get sick with the flu from the live nasal spray, they can infect those with certain health issues like asthma, cancer, HIV/AIDS, valley fever, and lowered immunity due to medications like chemotherapy, steroids, radiation therapy and more. Before requesting this FluMist vaccine, consult with a physician familiar with medical history of patient and the probability that the person may infect another due to the nasal spray vaccine.

Flu Vaccine Shot Facts

Flu vaccine shots are inactivated H1N1, influenza A and influenza B. This is highly recommended for people who are around babies under 6 months old, work in medical facilities, or have high likelihood of getting very sick from contracting the flu. Everyone from age 6 months and up can get the flu vaccine in an all-in-one shot that covers H1N1 and seasonal flu virus together.

Unlike the nasal spray, there is not a chance of spreading viruses for a time period after receiving the shot. Some babies and children have special need a second shot, according to the author's August 12, 2010 Associated Content at Yahoo article, Children's Flu Shot Recommendations for 2010-2011 .

Other Important Flu Vaccine Facts

The CDC (Center for Disease Control) 2010-11 reminders include their new motto "The Flu Ends With U," says people can spread H1N1 and seasonal flu viruses without having symptoms themselves. By receiving the all-in-one vaccine the CDC says everyone can help prevent others from getting sick who are more vulnerable.

Some people should never get a flu shot, such as those severely allergic to eggs. There may be other reasons not to get a flu vaccine, so check with your doctor before receiving a flu shot or nasal spray.

People who get very sick with flu-like symptoms within a week or two of getting vaccinated were exposed before getting vaccinated, or caught a virus not included in the vaccine. The vaccine cannot protect from all the flu viruses which exist, so it is possible to get sick with flu symptoms after getting the vaccine. Side effects are possible from this vaccine and any other. Patients with these concerns and others should consult with their own licensed physician for more explanation and confirmation of whether or not the flu vaccine is for them.

The CDC only "recommends" flu vaccination. Notice that it is not mandated. Getting a flu vaccine is a personal choice and not a requirement. If choosing to receive the flu vaccine, know that price varies from site to site for the same vaccine. Check local county health department office, favorite doctors, and pharmacy websites like Wallgreen's, CVS, Target and Mollen Flu Shot Clinics to help shop for best price options.

Sources

H1N1 FluMist the Nasal Spray that Keeps on Giving, by Sherry Tomfield (2009); retrieved from http://www.associatedcontent.com/article/2205843/h1n1_flumist_the_nasal_spray_that_keeps_pg1.html?cat=70

Children's Flu Vaccine Recommendations for 2010-11, by Lynn Pritchett (2010); retrieved from http://www.associatedcontent.com/article/5673522/childrens_flu_shot_recommendations.html?cat=5

Caremark Newsletter (August 2010) issue for members; retrieved from www.caremark.com

Mollen Flu Shot Clinics Review, by Lynn Pritchett (2009); retrieved from http://www.associatedcontent.com/article/2067633/flu_shot_clinics_in_the_united_states.html?cat=5

CVS Pharmacy "All-in-One" flu shot promotion (August 2010); retrieved from http://www.cvs.com/CVSApp/promoContent/promoLandingTemplate.jsp?promoLandingId=1228

Center for Disease Control, "The Flu Ends With U," (2010); retrieved from www.cdc.org

Disclaimer

This article is for informational purposes only and not intended to replace professional medical counsel. Always seek advice from licensed health professionals in all medical and psychological questions and concerns.