Influenza (Flu) Vaccine

Influenza (flu) vaccine is made each year with the three most common circulating strains. The Department of Health and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommend that everyone aged six months and older get a flu shot. Certain people are at greater risk and are encouraged to get a seasonal flu vaccine, including:

Kids and adults of any age with certain chronic health conditions or special health care needs, such as diabetes, heart disease, cancer, cystic fibrosis, asthma and other breathing problems, sickle cell anemia, and cerebral palsy.
Pregnant women.
Household contacts and caregivers of people in any of the above groups.
Health care professionals.
Household contacts and caregivers of kids, especially those in contact with babies under six months of age who are too young to get seasonal flu vaccine.

There are two types of seasonal flu vaccine. With either one, kids under nine may need two doses in the same flu season if they haven't had flu vaccine before or if they haven't had two seasonal flu shots in one season.

Flu shot (for anyone aged six months and older):
The flu shot, or Trivalent Inactivated Vaccine (TIV), contains inactivated (killed) viruses. The seasonal flu shot can be given to anyone six months and older.

Nasal spray (for healthy kids, teens, and non-pregnant adults aged 2 to 49 years):
The nasal spray flu vaccine, or Live, Attenuated Influenza Vaccine (LAIV), contains live, weakened flu viruses. It can be given to healthy kids over age 2 and non-pregnant teens and adults under 49 years.

High dose flu vaccine (for adults aged 65 and older):
A special kind of flu vaccine, Fluzone High-Dose, was licensed for adults 65 and older. The vaccine is formulated to have a higher dose content. Fluzone High-Dose vaccine is a payable benefit under Medicaid Part B.

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