NOBLESVILLE -
A smaller needle, no preservatives, and a more effective vaccine: Those are some of the changes pharmacies hope will convince you to bring your family for flu shots this season.
The choices for flu shots include three types for three age groups.
The intra dermal is the smaller needle you may have heard about. It was introduced last year but is more widely-available this year. The needle is 90-percent smaller, which helps some of those who are squeamish about needles. But there are some drawbacks.
"There was more redness, more bruising, more swelling for the smaller needle than the larger needle," said Amy Peak of Butler's College of Pharmacy. "So really, I personally don't see and advantage in the smaller (needle) other than if there is a true fear factor and a person wouldn't get a vaccine because of the larger needle."
The most important thing is to get a vaccine if you are six months or older, no matter what form you choose.
Medical professionals say if your doctor or pharmacy has a flu vaccine available, get them now and you will be covered the entire season.
You may see advertised a "preservative free" option for children. But don't be fooled by the marketing.
"The challenge is there is the perception preservatives (lead to) autism," said Peak. "No studies have shown that. Most preservatives are removed from the vaccines, anyway, so right now I think preservative-free is more a marketing tool."
The flu mist is still an option.
No matter what you choose, health officials say get a flu shot, and get it now if you can.
See a list of Marion County clinics here.
Intra-dermal is the smaller needle on right.
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