Where to Find Accurate Information About Flu Vaccines
Influenza, known more commonly as the flu, can cause severe illness and life-threatening complications in many people. Vaccination is the best way to prevent influenza.
Two types of influenza vaccine are now available: inactivated (or killed) vaccine and live attenuated (or weakened) vaccine. The inactivated influenza vaccine is given as a shot and has been used in the United States for many years. The attenuated vaccine, licensed in 2003, is given as a nasal spray. It is licensed by the Food and Drug Administration for healthy children and adults from 2 to 49 years of age.
Many parents have questions about which type of vaccine to use and if the vaccine is safe. With so much information on the Internet, it is often difficult to find accurate information. The following Web sites are recommended by my office.
For this year’s recommendations, click on the following links:
For information on risks and benefits of the vaccine:
For more information on influenza:
For types of vaccines and who should receive each:
For frequently asked questions and answers:
For Persons for Whom Annual Vaccination is Recommended: