MINNEAPOLIS (WCCO) – There’s now a less painful way to get a flu shot this year.

It has a thinner needle that doesn’t have to penetrate as deep into the body. The thinner needle has a smaller dose of flu vaccine, but it still gives the same protection.

Dr. Jahangir Rahman of Columbia University said that the needles doctors used to use pierced the muscles.

“[The new needle] goes into the skin, as opposed to the muscle. The benefit is supposed to be that it hurts less and more people will be willing to get the vaccine,” Rahman said.

The new needle does have its drawbacks, for instance: it can cause skin reactions including redness, swelling and itching.

The new needle option is now only available for adults 18 to 65.