October 4, 2018

Get the Flu Shot That’s Right for You!

The Asthma Center physicians and staff get flu shots too!  In the above picture taken in The Asthma Center’s Woodbury, NJ office, Clinical Supervisor Sandy Richards, RN administers the quadrivalent flu shot to Medical Secretary Michelle Wood!  (Courtesy: staffer Shannon Cephas, LPN)

Flu Season 2018 – 2019 is Here

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), flu shots are recommended for everyone 6 months and older. The flu vaccine is one of the most important steps you can take to prevent getting the flu. 

Last year was a particularly devastating year from influenza infections.  According to the CDC, 80,000 Americans died of flu and related complications – the highest death toll associated with the flu in over 40 years.  Over 90% of deaths were in adults >65 years while 180 children/teens died from influenza and related complications.  It is difficult to predict whether this year’s flu will be as aggressive.  The best way to protect yourself and your children is to get properly vaccinated. With several different flu vaccines available, here’s a guide to which option is best for you.

Flu Shot FAQ: Not All Flu Shots are Created Equal 

• Four is Better Than Three (for everyone under age 65)

The Asthma Center highly recommends the quadrivalent (4 strain) influenza vaccine for all patients under the age of 65 years.  The quadrivalent vaccine contains the four most common types of the influenza virus versus only three types in the older trivalent (3 strain) vaccine and provides the most complete protection for this age group against the flu this winter. 

• Three with Extra Power  (for everyone age 65 and older)

The Asthma Center highly recommends the high potency trivalent (3 strain – high potency) influenza vaccine for all patients 65 years and older .  This is the vaccine administered by our practice because it provides the most complete flu protection for this age group. Note that this is superior to the standard trivalent vaccine.

• Buyer Beware – Not All Flu Shots Are The Same

Many local pharmacies and other medical facilities have continued to administer the least protective trivalent influenza vaccine when a patient asks for a “flu shot”. Be sure to ask for the quadrivalent formulation or the high potency trivalent, depending on your age.

• What Parents Need to Know

Children are a particularly vulnerable group when it comes to the flu. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends that everyone 6 months and older get the flu shot every flu season.

• What about Nasal Spray Flu Vaccines?

This year,  the CDC is recommending the FDA approved nasal spray vaccine (FluMist, which is a live attenuated quadrivalent vaccine) in age appropriate individuals who do not have asthma! 

• Can you get the Flu Shot if you are egg-allergic?

With a history egg-allergy of any severity, the CDC does still recommend that any of the age appropriate flu vaccines that are available. Special challenges or two-step same day inoculation may be required in some cases.

• Can You Have a Reaction to the Flu Shot?

Unlikely, but yes.

At The Asthma Center, our board-certified allergists and highly trained staff are well equipped to handle adverse reactions.  All of our physicians and staff are trained to recognize and treat reactions to any vaccine, including the flu shot.

• Experience & Customized Care 

At The Asthma Center, we personalize your experience by choosing the form of the influenza vaccine that is right for you –  multiple doses for young children (if necessary), preservative-free for those with preservative sensitivities, high-dose for those over 65 years of age and the quadrivalent vaccine for those not requiring alternative formulations. And, most importantly, we are there for you in the unlikely event you experience an adverse reaction to the vaccine. 

Did you know that you should wait for 30 minutes after administration of any vaccine so that if an immediate severe reaction (anaphylaxis) occurs, you can be immediately treated?

Center City Philadelphia • Society Hill Philadelphia • Northeast Philadelphia

Bala Cynwyd – Lower Merion PA

Langhorne – Bucks County PA

Mt. Laurel NJ • Woodbury NJ • Hamilton – Princeton NJ • Forked River NJ

For questions regarding flu shots, please email Gaille at gwoodlyn@asthmacenter.com. The health information contained in this article is meant for basic informational purposes only.  It is not intended to serve as medical advice, substitute for a doctor’s appointment or to be used for diagnosing or treating a disease.