Patient/caregiver was instructed regarding types of flu vaccines as follows:
- Different types of flu vaccines are available, based on how they are manufactured. Some flu vaccines are made from inactivated and killed virus and others made from live and weakened virus.
- Flu vaccines also differ in the mode of administration. Most flu vaccines are taken as shots, administered into the arm. Some flu vaccines made from live and weakened virus could be given as nasal spray.
- Flu vaccines could also differ in the strength of immune response generated. As senior citizens, in general, could be immunocompromised owing to their age, high-dose vaccines or adjuvant vaccines could be given to them. These vaccines help generate much stronger immune response in comparison to a regular flu vaccine, thus offering more protection to at-risk individuals with poor immunity.
- Different types of vaccines are approved for different age-groups and based on other clinical indications. Your physician will order for the vaccine that is apt for your needs.
