There’s a premium flu vaccine on the market this season. Should you get it?

Did you get your flu shot yet? If not, you might want to ask if the new premium shot is available. 

According to Dr. William Schaffner, the new four-strain flu vaccine is here but may be hard to find. This new vaccine guards against four strains of the flu as opposed to the usual two or three. However, until vaccine manufacturers get up to speed, most vaccines out in the market will be the traditional three-strain variety. 

If you’re lucky enough to find it, Dr. Schaffner says that the fourth arm of protection can make a huge difference, depending on which strain prevails this season. He says your best bet to find the new vaccine is to contact several local vaccine providers including your doctor, pharmacy, community or worksite flu shot clinic—and ask whether they have the quadrivalent vaccine. When you find it, get it without delay before they run out.