Autumn is finally here, and we’re wishing you a happy and healthy Flu Season! Throughout the years, as flu strains mutate and change, there have been many different flu vaccines available to combat the different strains of influenza. This year, the CDC is encouraging everyone to get their flu shots before the end of October to be prepared! Just like last year, you may be wondering “which type of  flu vaccine do I need?” It can be confusing, but here at AFC Urgent Care New Britain we’re going to help you sort it out.

Which type of flu vaccine do I need?

First, let’s get an old myth out of the way. Receiving a flu shot will not give you the flu. The virus in your shot has been weakened to the point that it will not actually get you sick, but will encourage your body to start creating antibodies to fight a possible flu. That being said, let’s talk about which one will be right for you.

There are many different types of flu vaccines, and the determining factors for which one you should get mostly come down to your age, and current state of health. Regardless, the flu shot is either going to be trivalent, meaning it protects against three strains of the virus, or quadrivalent, meaning it protects against four. But don’t be fooled, they are both effective. The CDC has offered that below list of flu vaccines that will be offered in the 2018/2019 flu season:

• Standard dose flu shots. These are given into the muscle. They are usually given with a needle, but two (Afluria and Afluria Quadrivalent) can be given to some people (those aged 18 through 64 years) with a jet injector
• High-dose shots for people over 65 (Fluzone)
• Shots made with adjuvant for people over 65
• Shots made with virus grown in cell culture. These are made in animal cells grown in a laboratory instead of in eggs, like other flu vaccines. This vaccine could be beneficial for people who are allergic to eggs.
• Shots made using a vaccine production technology (recombinant vaccine) that does not require the use of flu virus.
• Live attenuated influenza vaccine (LAIV) – or the nasal spray vaccine – is also an option for use during the 2018-2019 season for persons whom it is otherwise appropriate.

It is important to remember that infants under 6 months should NOT receive a flu shot.

Can I get a flu vaccine if I’m pregnant?

In short, YES!

If you are pregnant, you can absolutely receive a flu shot this season. It’s important to remember that when you are pregnant, your immune system is not at its strongest, making it far more likely that you will get sick. When you get sick, you are not only dealing with the flu yourself, but you are also putting your pregnancy at greater risk.

Fun fact: When you get a flu shot during pregnancy, your baby will also develop antibodies that will protect it for the first 6-months of it’s life!

Don’t wait. Come get your flu shot today!

At AFC Urgent Care New Britain you can walk right in, no appointment necessary, to any of our walk-in clinics. We are located at 135 East Main Street, New Britain CT 06051. 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.