Do I Need A Flu Shot?

While flu shots were not reccomended until November in years past, flu vaccination is beginning now in September where the vaccine is available and will continue throughout the influenza season into December and January.

It is important to realize that the seasonal flu vaccines will not provide protection against the 2009 H1N1 influenza or swine flu virus. The vaccine for protection against the H1N1 influenza virus has not yet been licensed and is not expected to be available until mid October.

For now, who should get the seasonal flu vaccine? The seasonal flu vaccine is recommended for:

1. Children from age 6 months through their 19th birthday
2. Pregnant women
3. Those people age 50 and older
4. People of any age with certain chronic medical conditions like asthma
5. Residents of nursing homes and other long-term care facilities
6. Certain high-risk groups including:
   a.   Health care workers
   b.   People living with persons at high risk for complications from flu like cancer patients or others with suppressed immune systems
   c.  People who live with or care for children less than 6 months of age (these children are too young to be vaccinated)