Influenza Immunization (Vaccine)
Alternate Names : Flu Shot Immunization, Flu Vaccine, Vaccine - Influenza
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Immunization schedule
The vaccine is recommended for high-risk people 6 months and older as well as those in contact with them (including household contacts):
- all people 50 years or older
- adults and children with chronic lung or heart disease
- people with sickle cell anemia and other hemoglobinopathies
- residents of nursing homes (extended care facilities)
- residents of any institution housing people with chronic health problems
- people with kidney disease, anemia, severe asthma, or chronic metabolic illnesses (such as diabetes or chronic liver disease)
- people with immunological deficits (including those with cancer or HIV/AIDS)
- people receiving long-term treatment with steroids for any condition
- pregnant women who will be past the 3rd month of pregnancy during the flu season (you may want to consider requesting the mercury-free flu vaccine)
- children and teenagers receiving long-term aspirin therapy
The vaccine is also recommended for health care providers attending to high-risk people:
- health care personnel in hospital, outpatient, extended care facilities, and home health care
- family members attending to the needs of high-risk people in their home
The influenza vaccine is encouraged for: - healthy children 6-23 months of age and their contacts/caretakers
- household contacts/caretakers of infants less than 6 months of age
- people who provide essential community services
- people living in dormitories or other crowded conditions
- anyone who wants to reduce their change of getting influenza
Children under age 9 require two shots one month apart the first time that they receive influenza vaccine. Other people require a single shot each year.
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