CDC Influenza Vaccine Supply and Prioritization Recommendations for the U.S. 2007-08 Influenza Season

In general, anyone who wants to reduce their chances of getting the flu should get vaccinated. However, it is recommended by ACIP that certain people should get vaccinated each year.

People who should get vaccinated each year are those at high risk for complications from the flu, including: children aged 6 months until their 5th birthday, pregnant women, people 50 years of age and older, people of any age with certain chronic medical conditions and people who live in nursing homes and other long term care facilities.  Additionally, those who live with or care for those at high risk including household contacts of persons at high risk and healthcare workers should also get vaccinated

There are some people who should not be vaccinated without first consulting a physician. These include:  people who have a severe allergy to chicken eggs, if you have had a severe reaction to an influenza vaccination in the past, people who developed Guillain-Barré syndrome (GBS) within 6 weeks of getting an influenza vaccine previously, children less than 6 months of age, and those who have a moderate or severe illness with a fever.