You’ve probably been getting a flu shot since you were a wee child– 6 months old to be exact. That’s the age the CDC recommends children begin getting the annual vaccine. Not much has changed about the vaccine you’ve been getting for ages until the development of a quadrivalent version in 2012. AFC is here to help you navigate the differences between the two vaccines and which is right for you and your family members.
What is the Quadrivalent Flu Vaccine?
The standard flu vaccine is the Trivalent Influenza Vaccine. This vaccine protects against three (3) different strains of Flu: Two A Strains (H1N1 and H3N2) and one (1) B Strain. The B strain in the vaccine is determined by which Strain is projected to be the most prevalent for that particular year. The Quadrivalent Influenza Vaccine was developed in 2012 by adding another B virus to the vaccine aims to give broader protection against circulating flu viruses.
Who can get the Quadrivalent Flu Vaccine?
Different vaccines are approved for different age groups. There is a quadrivalent flu shot that can be given to children as young as 6 months of age. Other quadrivalent flu shots are approved for people 3 years and older. The quadrivalent nasal spray vaccine is approved for people 2 through 49 years of age who do not have contraindications to the nasal spray vaccine.
Who Shouldn’t get the Quadrivalent Flu Vaccine?
Different flu vaccines are approved for use in different groups of people. Factors that can determine a person’s suitability for vaccination, or vaccination with a particular vaccine, include a person’s age, health (current and past) and any allergies to flu vaccine or its components.
Come on in Today!
At AFC Urgent Care Danbury you can walk right in, no appointment necessary, to any of our Danbury walk-in clinics. We are located at 2 Main Street, 100 Mill Plain Road, and our newest location at 76c Newtown Road. All our locations are open 7 days a week and ready to treat you. You can save time by checking in online and we accept most insurances.
