Who Should Get Vaccinated?

Anyone who wants to reduce his/her chances of getting the flu can get vaccinated. However, certain people should get vaccinated each year either because they are at high risk of having serious flu-related complications or because they live/care for high-risk persons.

• Persons 50 years of age or older
• Adults and children 6 months or older with chronic pulmonary or cardiovascular disorders, including asthma
• Children 6 months of age to their 19th birthday
• Women who will be pregnant during influenza season
• Healthcare workers involved in direct patient care
• Out-of-home caregivers and household contacts of children who are 6 months of age or less
• Residents of nursing homes and long-term care facilities
• Children 6 months to 18 years of age who are on chronic aspirin therapy
• Anyone who wants to decrease his/her risk of influenza

Who Should Avoid Getting Vaccinated?

Some people should not be vaccinated without first consulting a physician including:

• People who have a severe allergy to chicken eggs
• People who have had a severe reaction to a flu shot in the past
• People who developed Guillain-Barre syndrome within 6 weeks of getting an influenza vaccine previously
• Children less than 6 months of age
• People who have a moderate or severe illness with a fever should wait to be vaccinated until their symptoms lessen