- Flu Vaccine Information
What’s in a Quadrivalent Flu Vaccine?
Posted on March 17, 2022
Most flu vaccines are quadrivalent, which means that the vaccine protects against 4 types of influenza.
Why quadrivalent?
Flu is a tricky virus because it can change quickly. To keep up to date with these changes, flu vaccines are updated every year. That way, the vaccine you get each year is best matched to protect you against the types of flu that are spreading.
Quadrivalent flu vaccines contain 2 types of flu A and 2 types of flu B. By having 4 different types of flu in the vaccine, you can receive the best possible protection against multiple types of flu.
Are quadrivalent flu vaccines safe?
YES. Flu vaccines have been used since 1945 with very good safety records. Vaccines go through years of research and clinical trials before they are made available to the general public. You cannot get flu from the flu vaccine. Flu vaccines do not contain viruses that can reproduce and make you sick with the flu.
The best way to protect yourself and your loved ones against the flu is to get vaccinated each and every year. Everyone six months and older can get a flu vaccine, and some people are eligible to get a nasal spray vaccine that doesn’t use a needle. If you have questions about which vaccine is best for you, talk to your doctor or other health care professional.
