The Flu Vaccine
Who Should get vaccinated?
On February 24, 2010 vaccine experts voted that everyone 6 months and older should get a flu vaccine each year starting with the 2010-2011 influenza season. CDC's Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) voted for "universal" flu vaccination in the U.S. to expand protection against the flu to more people. While everyone should get a flu vaccine each flu season, it's especially important that certain people get vaccinated either because they are at high risk of having serious flu-related complications or because they live with or care for people at high risk for developing flu-related complications.
Who is at high risk for developing flu-related complications?
- Children younger than 5, but especially children younger than 2 years old
- Adults 65 years of age and older
- Pregnant women
- Also, last flu season, American Indians and Alaskan Natives seemed to be at higher risk of flu complications
- People who have certain medical conditions including patients with asthma, chronic heart and/or lung disease, blood, kidney, liver, and/or endocrine disease (Please check with your doctor for more information)
