Science

More Vaccine Options Available This Flu Season

September 23rd, 2013

This year, those looking to protect against flu viruses will have additional options when it comes to vaccines. For the first time, some flu vaccines will protect against four strains of the flu.

Previously vaccines only guarded against three strains: two strains of influenza A and one strain of influenza B. Now, some flu shots will provide protection from an additional strain of B. Michael Jhung is a medical officer in the influenza division of the Atlanta-based Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

“The vast majority of vaccine that will be available this year will be the trivalent or the kind that protects against three influenza strains, so there may not be the four strain option available everywhere, but if it is it may be a good option to discuss with your healthcare provider.”

Jhung also says this year all nasal spray vaccines will provide protection against four flu viruses. And according to Jhung, those who are allergic to eggs or who do not use egg products can take advantage of some new flu vaccines that don’t use eggs in their development.

“A couple new techniques being employed this year include making influenza vaccines in cell culture, animal cell culture…same vaccine, provides same kind of protection, just made in a slightly different way, which has the advantage of not relying on eggs to make vaccine, which mean means we could potentially make vaccines much faster.”

The new options are in addition to others that have sprung up in recent years. Those options include: a high-dose of flu vaccine which is designed for those 65 and older and another using a smaller needle than the regular flu shot, and requiring less antigen to be as effective.

But Jhung says the CDC is not recommending one vaccine over the other. He says the important thing is to get vaccinated.