Who should get vaccinated this season?

Anyone who wants to reduce their chances of getting the flu can get vaccinated. However, it is recommended by CDC and the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) that certain people should get vaccinated each year. Most of these people are recommended for vaccination because they are at high risk of having serious flu complications or they live with or care for people at high risk for serious complications.

People recommended for seasonal influenza vaccination during the 2009-10 season remain the same as the previous season:

·         Children aged 6 months and 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:

• 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)  
• Health care workers