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The 2022 Influenza Vaccine: What You Need to Know
As another flu season approaches, many people wonder how effective the influenza vaccine will be this year, what types of vaccines are available, who should get vaccinated, when and where to get vaccinated, and what to expect in terms of side effects and benefits. In this information sheet, we will answer these questions and provide you with the latest evidence-based recommendations from reputable sources such as the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the World Health Organization (WHO).
Types of Influenza Vaccines
The influenza vaccine, also known as the flu shot, is designed to protect against three or four strains of influenza viruses that are most likely to circulate in a given season. The vaccine works by stimulating the immune system to produce antibodies that recognize and neutralize the viral proteins on the surface of the influenza viruses. There are several types of influenza vaccines, each with its own advantages and limitations:
– Inactivated influenza vaccines (IIVs), also called flu shots, contain killed influenza viruses that cannot cause the flu but can still provide immunity against the targeted strains. Most flu shots are given by injection into the muscle, but some can be given into the skin (intradermal) or the nose (intranasal). The IIVs can be further divided into subtypes based on the amount and type of antigens they contain, such as standard-dose, high-dose, and adjuvanted IIVs.
– Live attenuated influenza vaccines (LAIVs), also called nasal sprays, contain weakened influenza viruses that are designed to replicate in the nasal mucosa but not in the lungs. The LAIVs are only recommended for healthy people aged 2 to 49 years who are not pregnant or severely immunocompromised, as they may cause mild flu-like symptoms and, rarely, more serious adverse reactions.
– Recombinant influenza vaccines (RIVs), also called protein-based vaccines, contain only the hemagglutinin protein of the influenza viruses, which is the main target of the immune response. The RIVs are produced using genetic engineering techniques and do not require culturing live viruses. The RIVs are approved for adults aged 18 years or older who are allergic to egg proteins or prefer a vaccine that is free of egg-related risks.
– Cell-based influenza vaccines (CIVs) are similar to IIVs in terms of virus inactivation but are produced using mammalian cells instead of chicken eggs, thereby reducing the risk of egg-related reactions and improving the yield and purity of the vaccine. The CIVs are approved for anyone aged 4 years or older who wants a vaccine that is not made with eggs.
Who Should Get Vaccinated
The CDC recommends that everyone aged 6 months or older should get vaccinated against influenza every year, as the virus can cause serious complications such as pneumonia, hospitalization, and death, especially in certain populations such as:
– Children younger than 5 years, especially those younger than 2 years
– Adults aged 65 years or older
– Pregnant women and women up to two weeks postpartum
– People with underlying medical conditions such as asthma, heart disease, diabetes, cancer, and HIV/AIDS
– People living in nursing homes and other long-term care facilities
– People who care for or live with those at high risk of flu complications, including healthcare personnel and household contacts of high-risk individuals
– People who travel to or from areas with high flu activity, especially during the flu season
When and Where to Get Vaccinated
The CDC recommends that people get vaccinated as soon as possible after the vaccine becomes available, which is usually by early fall in the United States. However, getting vaccinated later is still beneficial, as the flu season can last until May. The vaccine takes about 2 weeks to become effective, so it’s important to get vaccinated before the flu starts spreading in your community.
The flu vaccine is widely available at many locations, including:
– Doctor’s offices and clinics
– Pharmacies and drugstores
– Health departments and community centers
– Workplaces and schools
– Grocery stores and retail outlets
Many insurance plans cover the cost of the flu vaccine, and some places offer free or low-cost options for those who cannot afford it. It’s also important to note that some people may require multiple doses of vaccine, such as children aged 6 months to 8 years who are getting vaccinated for the first time or who have not been vaccinated in the previous season.
Possible Side Effects and Benefits
Like any medical intervention, the influenza vaccine can cause side effects, although they are usually mild and temporary. The most common side effects are soreness, redness, or swelling at the injection site, as well as fever, headache, and muscle aches. These side effects usually go away within a few days and are not a sign of the flu itself. Rarely, the vaccine can cause more serious side effects such as allergic reactions, Guillain-Barré syndrome, or transverse myelitis, but the overall risk is very small compared to the benefits of vaccination.
The benefits of getting vaccinated against influenza include:
– Reducing your risk of getting infected with the flu viruses
– Reducing your risk of spreading the flu to others who may be more vulnerable
– Reducing your risk of developing serious complications from the flu, such as hospitalization and death
– Improving overall public health by reducing the burden of influenza on healthcare systems and society as a whole
Conclusion
The 2022 influenza vaccine is designed to provide protection against three or four strains of influenza viruses that are expected to circulate in the upcoming flu season. There are several types of influenza vaccines available, each with its own features and indications. The vaccine is recommended for almost everyone aged 6 months or older, but especially for those at high risk of flu complications. The vaccine can be obtained from many sources and is generally safe and effective. If you have any questions or concerns about the flu vaccine, talk to your healthcare provider or the public health department in your area. Together, we can help prevent the spread of the flu and protect ourselves and our communities.
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