New Flu vaccine option this year

HAMDEN, Conn. (WTNH) -- Experts say the unpredictable flu season could come earlier than usual, but this year patients have a choice between two vaccines.

Elizabeth Powell, who never fails to get her flu shot, went to get her flu shot Monday.

"I work in healthcare and I like to protect my patients," Powell said.

But this year, Powell had a choice at the CVS MinuteClinic in Hamden.

"That's our standard one inch needle and over here, we have the new intradermal," McGuire said, while showing needles.

It's the first Intradermal flu vaccine approved by the FDA.

"The intradermal is a 90 percent smaller needle and is implanted just below the skin versus the normal flu shot which is an I-M and penetrates your muscle," McGuire said.

A perfect choice for someone afraid of needles and the vaccine is also preservative free.

"I chose the regular needle because actually the size of the needle doesn't matter to me. I don't have a problem with getting a needle but you could see why it could benefit others. There are so many people out there who are fearful of the needle," Powell said.

A higher vaccine dose is also back for Seniors this flu season.

"As we age, they have noticed that our immune system does not mount up as good of a response," McGuire said.

The high dosage of the vaccine for Seniors is four times stronger.

"We saw a good response for it and a lot of Seniors did get it and a lot of Seniors were protected, so this year it's back," McGuire said.

Whether it's the Intradermal or regular needle, it's all about getting that flu shot.

"The more people that are vaccinated the better protection we all have," McGuire said.