The "Flu Shot"
This is an inactivated flu vaccine (containing killed virus) that is given with a needle, usually in the arm. The flu shot is approved for use in people older than 6 months, including healthy people and people with chronic medical conditions.
The Nasal-Spray Flu Vaccine
This is a flu vaccine made with live, weakened flu viruses that do not cause the flu (sometimes called LAIV for "live attenuated influenza vaccine" or FluMist®). LAIV (FluMist) is approved for use in healthy people 2 to 49 years of age who are not pregnant.
What Do the Flu Vaccines Have in Common?
Each flu vaccine contains three influenza viruses: one A (H3N2) virus, one A (H1N1) virus, and one B virus. About two weeks after vaccination, antibodies that provide protection against influenza virus infection develop in the body.
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Next year, you’ll be due for a new flu vaccine to help you get through cold and flu season, since the viruses in a vaccine change each year based on international observation and scientists’ estimations about which strains of viruses will circulate that year.
