Influenza Vaccine Options

Vaccinations should be administered following a detailed assessment looking at age, medical conditions, and disease specific risk factors. Not all vaccines are covered by the government and come with an additional cost. You may have coverage through extended health benefits. Talk to your healthcare provider or our immunize.io team about what vaccines are best for you.

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There are currently a multitude of options when it comes to influenza vaccination products for the 2020-2021 season.

Some vaccines contain protection against more circulating strains of the virus. There are some influenza vaccines which contain additional technologies to “boost” the immune response in older adults. There is an influenza vaccine made in a different environment, instead of the traditional egg- based vaccine. Finally there is an influenza vaccine that is delivered through the nose, instead of injection into the muscle.

Click on each influenza vaccination option to learn more

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Inactivated Influenza Vaccines (TIIV)
Standard Dose vaccine with protection against 2 A strains and 1 B strain

TIIV (Trivalent)
This is the standard influenza vaccination funded by the BC government. It provides protection against three strains of circulating influenza viruses.

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Inactivated Influenza Vaccines (QIV)
Standard Dose vaccine with protection against 2 A strains and 1 B strain

QIV (Quadravalent)
This is the preferred vaccination for children and adolescents who are more susceptible to influenza B infections. It provides protection against four strains of circulating influenza viruses.

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Live Attenuated Nasal Spray
Non-injectable nasal spray for ages 2-49; Protection against 2 A strains and 2 B strains

LAV (Nasal Spray)
This vaccine is available in limited supplies to those who are unable to receive an intramuscular injection. It is important to note that it is not as effective as the injection, and should not be used in those who have compromised immune systems.

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Cell-Based Influenza Vaccine (CBIV)
Flucellvax Quadrivalent; QIV made in cell-base instead of traditional eggs

CBIV
This is a novel type of influenza vaccination made in cell- based vs egg- based medium. A cell- based medium allows for less contamination, and less possibility of mutation of the virus. As a result, this vaccine may provide a better protection due to an ability to closely match the circulating influenza virus strains. It provides protection against four strains of circulating influenza viruses.

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High-Dose Inactivated Influenza Vaccine (HD-TIV)
FLUZONE High-Dose; TIV containing 4x the dose of regular influenza vaccines for adults aged 65+

HD-TIV
This vaccine provides the best immune response and subsequent protection against influenza in adults over the age of 65. It is publicly funded for those in long-term care and assisted living facilities in BC.

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Adjuvanted, Inactivated Influenza Vaccine (ATIV)
FLUAD/FLUAD Pediatric; TIV containing MF59 - an oil- in-water immunologic adjuvant

ATIV
This vaccine provides a better response for adults over the age of 65 against influenza. It is available in limited quantities under the BC publicly funded program.

Summary

Trivalent Influenza Vaccine

$0

All ages This year the government will be covering the TIV option

Quadrivalent Influenza Vaccine

$25

Ages 6 months – 64 years of age For additional protection against an extra circulating strain of influenza consider the QIV influenza vaccine

Cell-based Influenza Vaccine

$50

Ages 5 – 64 years of age – For additional protection against an extra circulating strain of influenza and a better match against certain circulating influenza strains consider the cell-based QIV influenza vaccine

High Dose Influenza Vaccine

$75

Age 65 and older For the NACI preferred option and 25% better protection for adults over the age of 65 consider the High dose influenza vaccine