Who should be vaccinated?
Experts at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) say that vaccination is recommended for people, including children, 6 months to 18 years, who want to reduce the likelihood of becoming ill with influenza or transmitting influenza to others should they become infected. Vaccination is also recommended for those in higher-risk groups and anyone who wants to be vaccinated. See if you or your loved ones fall into any of these groups:
Children and adolescents
- All those aged 6 months to 18 years*
- Those aged 6 months* to 18 years, who take long-term aspirin therapy. (If children are given aspirin while they have the flu, they are at risk of a serious disease, called Reye Syndrome, which attacks the liver and brain)
Adults and children with certain medical conditions
- Those with chronic heart or lung problems or asthma
- Those who need regular medical care or were in the hospital within the last year for metabolic problems (like diabetes), kidney disease, or immune system problems. (This means diseases that can attack the body's defense mechanism. Rheumatoid arthritis, lupus or Crohn's disease are examples)
- People with any condition that makes it hard to breathe or swallow, or to handle respiratory secretions (such as brain injury or disease, spinal cord injuries, seizure disorders, or other nerve muscle disorders)
Healthy adults
- Women who will be pregnant during flu season
- People aged >50 years
Seniors
- Residents of nursing homes or other long-term care facilities
Caregivers and health workers
- People who live with or look after someone else in a high-risk group
- Families and caregivers of children aged 0 to 59 months
- Healthcare workers
*Influenza vaccines are not currently indicated for children less than 6 months of age.
What else to do to protect yourself and others
The CDC advises that you:
- Avoid close contact with people who are sick
- If you are sick, avoid contact with others. Stay home from work or school, and avoid running errands if possible
- Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue when you cough or sneeze (and teach children to do the same)
- Wash your hands often to remove viruses and germs. You can pick up the influenza virus by touching something that someone with the flu has already touched. Avoid touching your eyes, nose, or mouth before washing your hands
Take this quiz to find out if you or a loved one is at risk for influenza and its complications
