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Who Should get Vaccinated Every Year?
Different strains, or versions of the influenza virus infect the population each year. For this reason, it is recommended people get a flu vaccine yearly. Most anyone may get vaccinated against influenza on a yearly basis; however, the following people are strongly encouraged to receive flu vaccinations every year:
People at High Risk for Complications from the Flu
Children ages 6 to 59 months (until their 5th birthday) or children over 5 years that are receiving long-term aspirin therapy
Pregnant Women
People ages 50 and older
People with certain chronic medical conditions
Pulmonary disorders (asthma, COPD, emphysema, cystic fibrosis, etc.)
Cardiovascular disorders (heart failure)
Metabolic diseases (diabetes, renal dysfunction, immunosuppression)
People Who Live With or Care for Those at High Risk for Complications from Flu
Household contacts of persons at
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high risk for complications from the flu (see above list)
Household contacts and out of home caregivers of children less than 6 months of age (for preventative care, as children less than 6 months old are too young to be vaccinated)
Residents of nursing homes or chronic-care facilities
Healthcare workers
Who Should Not get Vaccinated?
The following people should not be vaccinated without first consulting a physician:
People who are allergic to chicken eggs
People who have had a severe reaction to an influenza vaccination in the past
People who previously developed Guillain-Barré syndrome within 6 weeks of receiving an influenza vaccine
Children less than 6 months old
People who have a moderate or severe illness with a fever. These patients should wait until their symptoms diminish.
What are the Possible Side Effects from the Vaccine?
Different side effects are associated with the inactivated flu vaccine (shot)
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and the live attenuated vaccine.
Live Attenuated Vaccine
Children:
Runny nose
Headache
Vomiting
Muscle aches
Fever
Adults:
Runny nose
Headache
Sore throat
Cough
Inactivated Vaccine
Soreness, redness, or swelling at the injection site
Low grade fever
Aches
*Note: This is a dead virus; you cannot get the flu from the flu shot.
For additional information talk with your physician or pharmacist. You may also find helpful information on this topic by visiting www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/immunization.html or www.cdc.gov/flu/.
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