135 million influenza vaccine doses are available for the U.S., and the shots may be administered in new, more convenient ways this year, according to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, reports UPI.

Assistant Secretary for Health Dr. Howard K. Koh disclosed that there will be more than enough vaccine doses for the U.S. this year, with 135 million doses ready for distribution. The public may get their flu shot from clinics, hospitals, doctors' offices, pharmacies, and even in stores and workplaces.

Most importantly, new forms of the vaccine are now available. One vaccine contains a 'high-dose version for people aged 65 and older and a version made in cell-culture;' while another is administered with a smaller needle that's best used for adults ages 18-64 years old. Also, an egg-free vaccine for adults aged 18-49 years old is now available. Children afraid of needles will also have the option to get their shot with the nasal spray vaccine ideal for individuals aged 02-49 years old. Some of the vaccines will contain protection against four influenza strains, a first this year.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends that everyone aged 6 months and older must get their yearly shot of the influenza vaccine, as it is deemed necessary health protection against the flu, according to Live Science. The flu could turn into a serious infection especially when it hits young children, the elderly (especially those with health problems), and pregnant women.

Dr. William Schaffner (National Foundation for Infectious Diseases) explained that getting vaccinated is very important, "We have more types of vaccine available than ever before, and there are one or more options that are right for everyone; no one should skip vaccination if his or her first choice is not available," he told UPI.

Schaffner also corrected the misconception that getting the vaccine shot causes flu. He explained that it takes as long as two weeks for the body to respond to the dose and in the meantime, the patient may contract flu and misconstrue that the vaccine shot actually caused the flu.

Side effects from getting the vaccine shot include feeling sore, some redness or swelling at the injection site, fever, cough and ache. However, allergic reactions to the vaccine may also occur, and affected individuals may have difficulty breathing, and may experience swelling around the eyes or lips, hives, palpitations, syncope and high-grade fever. Children meanwhile may sustain runny nose, wheezing, headache, vomiting, muscle aches and fever, reports Live Science.