Choices, options, decisions---Oh, no. When you get your flu shot this year, be prepared. It's not that simple. In past years, I'd request a flu shot, and that was it.
This year, besides the offering of the REGULAR flu shot, the CDC recommends offering the option of the HIGH DOSE FLU SHOT, specifically designed for those over 65, who may not respond as well to the REGULAR flu shot. The HIGH DOSE FLU SHOT contains 4 times more antigen than the REGULAR flu shot. The antigen is the part of the vaccine that stimulates our bodies to create antibodies to fight off viruses.
The QUADRIVALENT VACCINE is another option, containing 4 strains of the flu instead of the traditional 3 strains. FLUZONE QUAD it is called.
The NASAL VACCINE is available only to those under 50, so that's off the table, reducing the choices to just 3. The pharmacist is youngish and eager to explain his craft. He seems to think all over 65 could benefit from the Senior form, the HIGH DOSE vaccine. But I ask why would they make it 4 times stronger, why not start off with 2 times stronger. Why 4? His answer amounts to something like just because that's what they did. I opt for the FLUZONE QUAD instead. That way I figure I'll be protected against more strains of the flu, though probably to a lesser degree. Hey, you can't have everything.
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