Now that the flu vaccine is available, the question arises, what is the best type of vaccine to take?
There are 3 ‘delivery’ systems for the vaccine: a nasal spray, a shot form a multidose vial, or a prefilled shot.
Nasal Spray: This is inhaled through the nose and is only given to people age 2-49. It is made from a live weakened virus, which is replicated around the nasal area. Once the body recognizes it as an intruder, it attacks it and gradually builds immunity.
Multidose Vial: This shot contains 10 doses of the vaccine and is injected into the body. It contains the controversial thimerosal preservative, which has mercury. There is widespread consensus that mercury is linked to autism, although there is no empirical proof.
Prefilled Shot: Contains the same vaccine as the multidose vial without the thimerosal preservative.
Remember this very important point – by getting the vaccine there is no guarantee that you will not get the flu. Immunity takes about 2 weeks and if you already have the virus or get the virus before full immunity, the vaccine will not help you. And the H1N1 vaccine will not prevent you from getting the infamous seasonal flu.