Health Watch: The New 4-Strain Flu Vaccine

MINNEAPOLIS (WCCO) -- Doctors hope a new four-strain flu vaccine will mean fewer people getting sick this season.

In years past, the flu vaccine protected you from three strains. Doctors say the new vaccine may especially help children and the elderly because they're more likely to get sick from the new strain.

Manufacturers will produce more than 135 million doses of flu vaccine this year. But only about 30 million will protect against the four strains.

All nasal spray flu vaccine will contain the four strains. But only healthy people ages 2 to 49 can get the nasal vaccine.

Experts say people should not wait to be vaccinated because they're hoping to find the newer vaccine.

Last week, the American Academy of Pediatrics recommended children six months or older get their flu vaccine as soon as possible.