ARE you confused about which flu vaccination you should choose, with two options available this winter?
Create a free account to read this article
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
NPS Medicinewise manager Sarah Spagnardi said there had been a spike in calls to the line from consumers confused about the difference.
"Basically, one vaccine formulation protects against three strains of flu, while the other protects against the same three and also contains an additional strain – so four strains in total," she said.
"You'll hear these referred to as trivalent (three strain) and quadrivalent (four strain) vaccines."
Ms Spagnardi said this was the first year the quadrivalent strain had been available in Australia, and many people had asked whether one vaccine was better than the other.
She said having the extra influenza B strain in the quadrivalent vaccine would provide extra protection, but that depended on the strains circulating in the community.
The trivalent vaccine is free under the National Immunisation Program for people over 65 and others including those with medical conditions that put them at greater risk of flu complications.
The quadrivalent vaccine is not government-funded.
Ms Spagnardi said influenza could lead to serious complications, and a vaccine was important.
"While we are encouraging callers to speak to their doctor for advice about these different vaccination options, the main message is that for those at risk, a flu vaccine will greatly reduce their chance of catching the flu, and therefore also reduce the risk of acquiring any follow-on secondary infections," she said.
"It's best to book an appointment with a health professional soon, before the winter flu season begins."
Ms Spagnardi said while you couldn't catch flu from the vaccine, some people could experience short-lived side effects including localised pain, redness and swelling, mild fever, joint pain and fatigue.
