What is the Seasonal Flu Vaccine?:
Who Needs the Seasonal Flu Vaccine:
Starting with the 2010-11 flu season, officials recommend that everyone over the age of 6 months get the influenza vaccine. However, certain groups of people are at increased risk for the flu and are considered "high priority" groups. These include:
- Children ages 6 months to 18 years
- Adults over age 50
- Anyone living in a long term-care facility
- Health care workers and other public service providers (firefighters, police officers, etc.)
- Anyone with a weakened immune system
- Pregnant women
- Anyone with a chronic health condition (asthma, high blood pressure, diabetes and many others)
- Caregivers for high risk individuals
Who Should Not Get a Seasonal Flu Vaccine:
While most everyone should get an influenza vaccine, there are certain groups of people who should not. This includes:
- Infants under 6 months old
- Anyone with a severe egg allergy
- Anyone with a history of Guillain Barre Syndrome
- Anyone with a fever at the time of vaccination
- Those with a previous adverse reaction to the influenza vaccine
- Anyone with an allergy to any other ingredient in the vaccine
How the Flu Vaccine is Given:
Flu vaccines are available in two different forms - by injection or nasal spray. To learn more about these two options, read:
What Else You Need to Know About the Flu Vaccine:
How Flu Shots Work
An explanation of how flu vaccines are manufactured, why we need one every year and why they may not always work.
Where to Find a Flu Shot Near You
Influenza vaccines are available in a number of locations, not just at your doctor's office.
Sources:
"Key Facts About Influenza(Flu) Vaccine." Influenza (Flu). 16 Oct 09. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. 18 April 10.
