Should I get the shot in the arm or nasal spray for the flu vaccine?

Both types of flu shot have been studied carefully and are safe. The CDC and FDA continue to monitor the safety of vaccines including all the influenza vaccinations available annually (as with each year the prevalence of different strains change). The CDC uses 3 systems to monitor the safety of vaccines including the Vaccine Adverse Event Reporting System (VAERS), Vaccines Safety Datalink (VSD), and the Clinical Immunization Safety Assessment Project (CISA). Talk to your doctor about which one is best for your child. Children, preteens and teens with chronic health conditions, like asthma, diabetes, or heart disease should NOT get the nasal spray vaccine and instead get the injectable (shot).