Patient/caregiver was instructed regarding indications to receive flu vaccine as follows:
- Flu vaccines, in general, are given to protect against influenza group of viruses.
- Different types of flu vaccines are available, based on how the vaccine is manufactured, mode of vaccine administration, dose in which vaccine is administered, and the strength of immune response generated by the vaccine.
- Different types of vaccines are approved for different age-groups and based on other clinical indications. Standard dose flu shots, in general, could be administered to anyone 6 months and older. Nasal flu vaccines are recommended for anyone 2 years and older. Recombinant flu vaccines could be administered only to individuals 18 years and above. As senior citizens (65 years and above), in general, could be immunocompromised owing to their age, high-dose vaccines or adjuvant vaccines, administered as shots, are recommended for individuals in this age-group. High-dose or adjuvant flu shots help generate much stronger immune response in comparison to a regular flu shot, thus offering more protection to at-risk individuals with poor immunity. Your physician will order for the vaccine you qualify for and the one that best suits your needs.
- Pregnant individuals can receive flu shot, but not the nasal spray flu vaccine.
- Flu shots, in general, are recommended once every year for everyone 6 months and older. Nasal flu vaccines are recommended once every year for everyone 2 years and older.
