Fluzone Flu Vaccine: Protection for All Ages | Sanofi Pasteur

Is anyone immune to the flu? The fact is, the flu can attack people of all ages, from infants to seniors. In fact, the only people that are really protected from the seasonal flu are those who take the time to get a seasonal flu vaccine. Safe and effective flu vaccines like Fluzone® by sanofi pasteur, Inc. Fluzone is available in formulations for patients of all ages, from young children to seniors. Why Fluzone works. Like other injectable vaccines for the 2012-13 flu season, Fluzone’s trivalent formulation contains three strains of the flu virus identified by the World Health Organization (WHO) as being prevalent for the 2012-13 flu season. These strains are: influenza A (California H1N1 like virus), influenza A (Victoria H3N2 like virus) and influenza B (Wisconsin like virus). That means that even if you received a flu vaccine last year, you will need to get vaccinated again this year to ensure you are protected against all three strains. Fluzone is so effective in part because it comes in multiple presentations that are specific for different age groups — from young children to seniors. Fluzone is indicated for active immunization of persons 6 months of age and older, while Fluzone High-Dose is indicated for persons 65 years of age and older. Fluzone High-Dose is especially valuable for high-risk seniors who might develop life-threatening complications from catching the flu. For the 18-64 population, (especially those who are afraid of shots) Fluzone Intradermal is a new option for vaccine delivery using a shorter needle injected into the skin rather than the muscle. The unpredictability of flu season. The severity of each flu season is hard to predict because of the ways in which the virus mutates. Just because last flu season was mild does not mean this season will be equally tame. Sometimes a mild flu season can be followed by a more serious strain and outbreak, so when it comes to flu it is better to be safe than sorry. Reports of influenza outbreaks are already surfacing in Australia where flu season is in full swing, so those in the United States should keep an eye on local flu reports. Health experts agree that flu vaccination is the most effective way to halt the spread of flu. Although the flu season can begin earlier and last longer, it usually starts in December, peaks in January or February, and continues through March. According to the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), while October and November are traditionally the primary vaccination months, vaccination in December or later is still recommended for those who are not vaccinated earlier. Protect yourself and others. Flu season is almost here; are you ready? Now is the time to begin thinking about protecting yourself and others. Even if you are a healthy working adult, consider getting a flu shot to protect the children, seniors and pregnant women you may come in contact with. Vaccines like Fluzone can help you avoid spreading the flu virus.