Who Needs the Flu Vaccination?
Experts who study contagious diseases state that anyone who wants to avoid getting the flu should get vaccinated. However, certain people are more at risk for serious complications if they get influenza; and they should definitely get the flu shot every year to prevent serious health complications.
HIGH RISK GROUPS include:
- Children aged 6 months up to their 19th birthday
- Pregnant women
- People 50 years of age and older
- People of any age with certain chronic medical conditions
- People who live in nursing homes and other long-term care facilities
- People who live with or care for those at high risk for complications from flu, including:
a. Health care workers
b. Household contacts of persons at high risk for complications from the flu
c. Household contacts and out of home caregivers of children less than 6 months of age (these children are too young to be vaccinated)
Why do I need an influenza vaccination every year?
Different types of virus strains that cause the flu can develop each year. Vaccine is developed to match these specific strains and stop their ability to cause infection.
Click here for CDC Recommendations including who should not be vaccinated.