The CDC recommends trivalent and quadrivalent flu vaccines for 2016-2017. There are different flu shots based upon different age groups as well.
Trivalent Flu Vaccines
The trivalent vaccine is a three component vaccine. The trivalent flu vaccine is a three-component flu vaccine. This vaccine can come as a standard-dose trivalent shot (IIV3), high-dose trivalent shot (Fluzone High-Dose influenza vaccine), recombinant trivalent shot (Flublok Seasonal Influenza Vaccine) and adjuvant trivalent flu shot.
- Standard-Dose Trivalent Shot (IIV3)
- High-Dose Trivalent Shot (Fluzone High-Dose influenza vaccine): This shot has been approved for individuals over the age of 65. Being manufactured by Sanofi Pasteur Inc. this is a higher dose intended for older individuals to provide a better immune response to better protect against the flu.
- Recombinant Trivalent Shot (Flublok Seasonal Influenza Vaccine): This shot is FDA approved for use on individuals 18 years or older. This vaccine is has a shorter shelf life due to the vaccine being manufactured without the use of chicken eggs or the influenza virus.
- Adjuvant Trivalent Flu Shot (FLUAD™ Flu Vaccine With Adjuvant): Flu shot that contains an adjuvant with an inactivated flu vaccine.
Quadrivalent Flu Vaccines
This vaccine is a four component vaccination containing two influenza A viruses and two influenza B viruses. There are different shots available for different age groups.
- Intradermal Quadrivalent Flu Shot: A much smaller needle is used to apply the vaccine into the skin rather than the muscle.
- Quadrivalent Flu Shot
Learn more about flu vaccines by visiting the CDC website here.