Who Should Get Flu Shots

Who Should Get Vaccinated?

In general, anyone who wants to reduce their 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 with or care for high risk persons. During flu seasons when vaccine supplies are limited or delayed, the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) makes recommendations regarding priority groups for vaccination.

People who should get vaccinated each year are:

• 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:
  
  • Health care workers
  • Household contacts of persons at high risk for complications from the flu
  • Household contacts and out of home caregivers of children less than 6 months of age (these children are too young to be vaccinated)

Who Should Not Be Vaccinated

Some people should not be vaccinated without first consulting a physician. They include:

• People who have a severe allergy to chicken eggs.
  
• People who have had a severe reaction to an influenza vaccination in the past.
  
• People who developed Guillian-Barré syndrome (GBS) within 6 weeks of getting an influenza vaccine previously.
  
• Children less than 6 months of age (influenza vaccine is not approved for use in this age group).
  
• People who have a moderate or severe illness with a fever should wait to get vaccinated until their symptoms lessen.
  
• If you have questions about whether you should get a flu vaccine, consult your health-care provider.
  

***Source: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention