The trivalent influenza vaccine protects against three strains of the virus, while the tetravalent version protects against four. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends adults get vaccinated with either form of the vaccine each year, but which one is right for you? Read on to find out.
What is Influenza Vaccine Trivalent Form?
Influenza Vaccine Trivalent Form is a vaccine that helps to protect against three different strains of the influenza virus. The trivalent form of the vaccine includes two Influenza A viruses and one Influenza B virus. The Influenza A viruses in the vaccine are H1N1 and H3N2, while the Influenza B virus is from the Yamagata lineage. The trivalent form of the vaccine is recommended for use in people of all ages, including children as young as six months old. The trivalent form of the vaccine is typically available in both injectable and intranasal forms. Influenza Vaccine Trivalent Form is typically given annually, in order to help protect against the ever-changing Influenza virus.
What is Influenza Vaccine Tetravalent Form?
Influenza Vaccine Tetravalent Form is a vaccine that helps protect against four different types of influenza virus. This vaccine is made using an inactivated (killed) Influenza A virus and an Influenza B virus.
- The Influenza A viruses are further divided into two subtypes: H1N1 and H3N2. Both of these subtypes can cause illness in people, so it is important to be vaccinated against both.
- The Influenza B viruses are not divided into subtypes, but there are two different types of Influenza B viruses that can cause illness in people. The Influenza Vaccine Tetravalent Form helps protect against all four of these types of Influenza viruses.
- This vaccine is given as an injection (shot) into the muscle. It is usually given once a year, before the start of the Influenza season. Talk to your doctor about when you should get vaccinated.
The Influenza Vaccine Tetravalent Form is safe for most people, but there are some people who should not get this vaccine. Talk to your doctor if you have ever had an allergic reaction to any influenza vaccine or if you have any other allergies. You should also talk to your doctor if you are pregnant or breastfeeding. You may need to wait until after your pregnancy or breastfeeding to get vaccinated with Influenza Vaccine Tetravalent Form.
Difference between Influenza Vaccine Trivalent Form and Tetravalent Form
Influenza Vaccine Trivalent Form and Tetravalent Form are two types of Influenza Vaccines. Influenza Vaccine Trivalent Form protects against three types of influenza viruses: influenza A (H1N1) virus, influenza A (H3N2) virus, and influenza B virus.
- Influenza Vaccine Tetravalent Form protects against four types of influenza viruses: two subtypes of Influenza A virus (H1N1 and H3N2) and two types of Influenza B virus.
- Influenza Vaccine Trivalent form is recommended for people aged 6 months and older, while Influenza Vaccine Tetravalent form is recommended for people aged 3 years and older. Influenza Vaccines are available as Injectable vaccines or Nasal Spray vaccines.
- Injectable vaccines are given as an injection into the muscle, while Nasal Spray vaccines are given as a spray into the nose. Influenza Vaccines are typically given once a year, in the fall, before the start of the Influenza season. The best time to get vaccinated is in October or November. However, as long as Influenza activity is happening in the community, it’s not too late to get vaccinated.
Conclusion
The trivalent form of the Influenza vaccine protects against two strains of the virus, while the tetravalent form protects against four. Recently, however, there has been a shortage of trivalent vaccines due to manufacturing problems with one of the three strains used in that vaccine. If you are looking to get vaccinated against Influenza this season, be sure to check which type of vaccine is available at your local pharmacy or doctor’s office.
