What is the difference between live and inactivated flu vaccine?
Daniel Rodriguez
Published Mar 14, 2026
What is the difference between live and inactivated flu vaccine?
Flu vaccines given with a needle (i.e., flu shots) are made with either inactivated (killed) viruses, or with only a single protein from the flu virus. The nasal spray vaccine contains live viruses that are attenuated (weakened) so that they will not cause illness.
What is inactivated influenza virus vaccine?
What is the inactivated influenza vaccine? The inactivated influenza vaccine is made of killed influenza viruses. It protects against viruses that cause influenza, often called the flu. The vaccine does not protect against other viruses or bacteria that cause colds or stomach flu.
What is vis date for flu vaccine?
Vaccine Information Statements for Currently Available Vaccines
| VIS | Current Edition Dates |
|---|---|
| Influenza (Live, Intranasal) | 8/6/21 |
| Influenza (Injected) | 8/6/21 |
| Japanese Encephalitis (Ixiaro) | 8/15/19 |
| Meningococcal ACWY | 8/6/21 |
Are inactivated flu shots contraindicated?
Who should not receive the vaccine? Influenza vaccination is contraindicated for individuals who have had documented anaphylaxis to any ingredient in the vaccine except egg,1 or a previous dose of inactivated influenza vaccine. These individuals should not receive the vaccine.
What is an example of an inactivated vaccine?
Examples of inactivated vaccines include: inactivated poliovirus (IPV) vaccine, whole cell pertussis (whooping cough) vaccine, rabies vaccine and the hepatitis A virus vaccine.
What is the difference between live vaccines and dead vaccines?
Inactivated vaccines use the killed version of the germ that causes a disease. Inactivated vaccines usually don’t provide immunity (protection) that’s as strong as live vaccines. So you may need several doses over time (booster shots) in order to get ongoing immunity against diseases.
Where is Seqirus located?
Our global headquarters are in Maidenhead, UK. There are many ways to contact us and connect to our offices around the world. Thank you for your interest in Seqirus.
What is VIS Version date?
The edition date of the VIS (found on the back at the right bottom corner). The date the VIS is provided (i.e., the date of the visit when the vaccine is administered). The office address and name and title of the person who administers the vaccine. The date the vaccine is administered.
How do I order vis forms?
A complete list of forms and materials available for order is online at: If internet access is unavailable, providers may send their literature request directly to the DSHS Immunization Unit via fax or mail.
What is the difference between over 65 and under 65 flu vaccine?
In response to a regular flu shot, older people produce 50% to 75% fewer antibodies, which protect against the vaccine antigens, than do younger adults. Studies have found higher antibody levels in older adults who received high-dose flu vaccines than in those who received standard-dose flu vaccines.
What is the difference between live vaccine and inactivated vaccine?
An inactivated vaccine works when the immune system responds to a piece of a bacteria or virus or to a toxin produced by the germ. Live “attenuated” vaccines mean they have been changed such that they do not cause disease.
Is sinovac an inactivated vaccine?
However, this vaccine is an inactivated vaccine with an adjuvant that is commonly used in many other vaccines with a well-documented safety profile, such as Hepatitis B and Tetanus vaccines, including in pregnant women.
