The influenza ( flu ) vaccine reduces your chances of getting the flu and passing it on to others. Youngest children are highly susceptible to the flu vaccine. These people may need hospitalization when they come down with influenza. Each year, the flu vaccine is made to protect against the strains of the flu virus that scientists expect to be most common. People who have received the vaccine are protected from the flu about 2 weeks after receiving the vaccine. Both 3-strain and 4-strain vaccines are available for the 2013-2014 flu season

 
• The trivalent vaccine, which protects against three flu virus strains
• The quadrivalent vaccine, which protects against four flu virus strains

 

 
The flu shot comes in two forms namely a flu shot and a nasal spray. Your health care provider will recommend which one you should receive.