The Personalized Flu Shot

Dr. Greg Poland is expecting a lot of questions–and confusion–from his patients this flu season. For the first time, U.S. health officials will distribute six influenza vaccines, up from four last year. “Instead of the one-size-fits-all approach, we are moving to vaccines … for individual patients,” says Poland, director of the Mayo Clinic Vaccine Research Group.

The goal is to get more than the usual 40% of the U.S. population immunized by adding shots made specifically for those who have an allergy to eggs (previously, all flu vaccines contained egg protein), among other conditions. And a new shot and nasal spray protect against four, instead of the usual three, influenza strains. Within a few seasons, says Dr. Michael Shaw at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, every flu vaccine option will be using such an überformula.

There are caveats: some of the specialized shots can be more expensive. For now, that four-strain shot can cost up to 30% more than a standard one. But more vaccine options will lead to fewer flu cases, and that could save both lives and health care costs.

ARE YOU …

Allergic to eggs?

EGG-FREE SHOT

Made with influenza proteins grown in caterpillar cells instead of chicken eggs; for people who are allergic to egg proteins

OR

Wary of needles?

MICRONEEDLE SHOT

Penetrates the skin, not deeper muscle, for a less painful jab. It delivers less flu protein but protects just as well as the traditional shot while costing more

A toddler’s parent?

OR

NASAL SPRAY

Recommended for squirmy kids who might not like needles, although it’s approved for use on all ages

OR

Over 65?

HIGH-DOSAGE SHOT

Contains more influenza protein to better prepare older immune systems, which don’t always mount strong defenses

OR

None of those things?

STANDARD SHOT

Three-strain versions are effective, but four-strain shots offer broader protection, including against both types of influenza-B viruses circulating during flu season

Source: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention