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, ACIP makes recommendations regarding priority groups for vaccination.

People who should get vaccinated each year are:

1. People at high risk for complications from the flu, including:

• Children aged 6–59 months of age,
• 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.

2. People who live with or care for those at high risk for complications from flu, including:

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

3. Anyone who wants to decrease their risk of influenza.

 

Current Flu Discussions in the News

09/02/2010
Flu Shots Out Early
It's not even flu season yet, but flu shots are already available, and this year the CDC is recommending everyone older than six months be vaccinated. ABC26 News Reporter Vanessa Bolano has more.

Flu Shots Out Early

09/02/2010
Flu Shots Available in Denison
DENISON, TX -- Flu shots are now available in Denison and this year only one shot is needed for protection against both the seasonal and H1N1 virus. Deeda Payton reports.

Flu Shots Available in Denison

09/02/2010
Flu Shots Available in Denison
DENISON, TX -- Flu shots are now available in Denison and this year only one shot is needed for protection against both the seasonal and H1N1 virus. Deeda Payton reports.

Flu Shots Available in Denison

09/02/2010
Flu season expected to be moderate this year
COLUMBIA — Some Columbia residents may be stuck at home with the flu, but medical folks say that isn’t evidence of any unseasonal outbreak. “Flu is always around randomly,” Jason Zerrer, a doctor at Providence Urgent Care, said. The urgent care center has had three or four cases of influenza in the last few weeks, he said. “H1N1 has thrown the regular flu season out of whack,” Zerrer said. In ...

Flu season expected to be moderate this year

09/02/2010
Flu Shots Available in Denison
DENISON, TX -- Flu shots are now available in Denison and this year only one shot is needed for protection against both the seasonal and H1N1 virus. Deeda Payton reports.

Flu Shots Available in Denison

09/02/2010
Flu season expected to be moderate this year
COLUMBIA — Some Columbia residents may be stuck at home with the flu, but medical folks say that isn’t evidence of any unseasonal outbreak. “Flu is always around randomly,” Jason Zerrer, a doctor at Providence Urgent Care, said. The urgent care center has had three or four cases of influenza in the last few weeks, he said. “H1N1 has thrown the regular flu season out of whack,” Zerrer said. In ...

Flu season expected to be moderate this year

09/02/2010
Flu shot season starts early this year
Last year's swine flu frenzy is long over, but a massive government and commercial push to vaccinate continues.

Flu shot season starts early this year

09/01/2010
Flu Season Hits the Stateline
Flu season has hit the stateline, but health leaders expect a much more mild season compared to last year.

Flu Season Hits the Stateline