As we approach the fall season, influenza vaccines become more prominent in conversations and media. In order to lessen hospitalization alongside COVID-19, people are encouraged to get immunized against influenza.
But with six different types of influenza vaccines available this season, which one should you get?
1.
Egg-based trivalent inactivated influenza vaccine
Harvested in an egg medium, the trivalent inactivated influenza vaccine provides protection against two influenza-A strains and one influenza-B strain.
2.
Egg-based trivalent inactivated influenza vaccine
Harvested in an egg medium, the trivalent inactivated influenza vaccine provides protection against two influenza-A strains and one influenza-B strain.
3.
Cell-based quadrivalent inactivated influenza vaccine
Not harvested in eggs, the vaccines are instead made in a cell-based medium which may provide a better match against circulating strains. It protects against two influenza-A strains and two influenza-B strains.
4.
Live attenuated quadrivalent nasal spray vaccine
Delivered as a nasal spray instead of the usual intramuscular injection, this vaccine protects against two influenza-A strains and two influenza-B strains.
5.
Adjuvanted trivalent influenza vaccine
This trivalent vaccine contains an “adjuvant” — which “boosts” the immune response in older adults to provide better protection against influenza infection and complications. It protects against two influenza-A strains and one influenza-B strain.
6.
High-dose quadrivalent influenza vaccine
Containing more antigen to provide a better immune response in older adults, this vaccine is clinically proven to reduce influenza infection, hospitalization, and death. It protects against two influenza-A strains and two influenza-B strains.
Which one should you get?
Depending on your age, medical conditions, and experience with influenza vaccinations, there may be a specific option for you. However, not all these options are publicly funded, and you may have to pay out of your own pocket. Make sure to ask your doctor or pharmacist about your options this season.
1.
Get more strain coverage (4 strains are better than 3!)
Influenza is unpredictable, so stack the deck in your favour. Regardless of your age or medical risk, always opt for the broadest protection against circulating influenza viruses. The quadrivalent options provide protection against an extra B strain.
2.
Higher risk or more sensitive?
Influenza infections are worse in those with chronic medical (especially lung) conditions. The cell-based vaccine may provide a better match against circulating strains because it avoids potential viral mutations, which can occur in eggs. For those with an egg allergy — or who have had “uncomfortable reactions” to the influenza vaccine in previous seasons — the cell-based vaccine may provide a more comfortable experience.
3.
If you’re over 65
Adults over the age of 65 are hit the hardest by influenza, accounting for the most hospitalizations and deaths every year in Canada. A major reason for this is the reduced responsiveness to vaccinations due to age-related immune system decline. To overcome this, older adults are highly recommended to opt for a high dose or adjuvanted vaccine this season for more enhanced protection.
4.
Afraid of needles?
Unfortunately, the injectable influenza vaccines are more effective than the intranasal vaccine. As well, important immunizations such as COVID-19 are also given by injection into the muscle. Those with needle-phobia should consider tips and strategies to overcome this during vaccination time. For children aged 2 to 17, challenges with needle administration can be solved with the nasal vaccine.