Who Should And Should Not Receive A Flu Shot?

Everyone six months and older is recommended to receive an annual flu shot. However, there are rare exceptions.

Among adults, complications, hospitalizations, and deaths due to influenza are generally most common among those 50 years old and over. It is strongly recommended, based off of risk factor and potential for severe complications, that you receive the annual flu shot if you meet any of the following criteria:

– People 50 years and older
– People with chronic pulmonary, cardiovascular, renal, hepatic, neurologic, hematologic, or metabolic disorders (including diabetes mellitus)
– People who are immunosuppressed
– Women who are or will be pregnant during the influenza season and women up to two weeks after delivery
– People who are residents of nursing homes and other chronic-care facilities
– Household caregivers of children younger than 5 years and adults aged 50 years and older and of people with medical conditions that put them at higher risk for severe complications from
influenza

You should not receive the flu vaccine if you have a severe or life threatening allergy to any ingredient in the vaccine. Vaccine ingredient lists are available upon request from the location offering flu vaccines. If you have a history of egg allergy you should talk with your doctor or pharmacy before receiving a flu shot. For more information about the flu vaccine click here.