With all of the types of flu vaccinations, they all perform the same job. Flu vaccines inject a small dose of the virus into your system, so your body begins to create antibodies. These antibodies protect against the flu if you come in contact with the full thing. There are actually seven different types of flu vaccines, but for the purpose of this article, we’ll focus on the top two most common.
AFC Urgent Care Short Hills provides flu vaccines for every patient every year. Whether you have a severe egg allergy or are immunocompromised, AFC Short Hills has the vaccine for you. Visit our walk-in center today to receive your flu vaccine. We’re open seven days a week for all urgent care services.
Common flu symptoms
The flu is highly contagious. It impacts millions of Americans annually, and you are likely to catch it at least once in your life. Flu season falls between October and March each year, and flu shots are widely accessible. Common flu symptoms include:
- Sore throat
- Coughing and congestion
- Runny nose
- Fatigue
- Body aches and chills
- Fever
- Headache
Most cases of the flu are not severe, and patients recover within two weeks. However, if you have a weakened immune system, are pregnant, or are over the age of 65, you may have a more severe case. Flu shots are also only available for infants beginning at six months.
Receiving a flu shot can protect the baby if you are around an infant younger than that. Additionally, a pregnant mother can receive a flu shot to help protect their baby when they’re born until six months.
Trivalent flu vaccines
Any option for trivalent flu vaccines will protect against three strains of influenza, including H1N1, H3N2, and influenza B. The options for this type of vaccine include a standard-dose shot, which is egg-grown and administered by a shot in the arm.
The other option is the same shot made with adjuvant. Adding the adjuvant ingredient gives a stronger boost to the immune system for those over the age of 65.
Quadrivalent flu vaccines
Quadrivalent flu vaccines will protect against four strains of influenza, including two influenza A viruses and two influenza B viruses. The most common flu vaccine you will receive is the standard dose quadrivalent flu vaccine. This is a shot administered in the arm and is available to everyone over the age of 6 months. There is also an option of the regular dose that is grown in a cell culture that is available for anyone over the age of 4.
A high-dose quadrivalent shot is available to those over the age of 65. It contains four times the amount of antigens that you would find in a regular dose. This vaccine is recommended for everyone over the age of 65, as 85% of flu-related deaths are those 65 and older.
Another option is a jet-injection vaccine. This uses a jet injector instead of a needle and is available for those over the age of 18.
For those with an egg allergy, a recombinant quadrivalent vaccine is available. It’s available for those over the age of 18 and who have severe egg allergies.
Lastly, a live attenuated intranasal spray is available as a flu vaccine. It’s administered to those aged 2 to 49 who are not pregnant. It injects a live dose of the virus instead of a killed one, and it is weakened so patients won’t have an immune response.
Receive your flu shot at AFC Short Hills
AFC Urgent Care Short Hills is open seven days a week for weekend flu shots. If you are not sure of the best type of flu vaccine is for you, give our center a call to speak with a board-certified professional. Visit us today or call AFC Short Hills now at 973-671-5350.
