The Seasonal Flu Shot is Now Available.
Should I Get Vaccinated?

Almost anyone who wants to reduce his or her chances of getting the flu may get vaccinated. However, the CDC recommends that certain people should get vaccinated each year. They are either people who are at high risk of having serious flu complications or people who live with or care for those at high risk for serious complications.

People who should get vaccinated each year are:
• Children aged 6 months 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:

• Health care workers
• 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)

NOTE: Elderly individuals are at the highest risk. The majority of influenza related deaths (90-92%) occur in people age 65 and older.

This vaccine SHOULD be available in October.

The CDC recommends 5 focus populations - in particular - receive this vaccine. This is in ADDTION to the Seasonal Flu Vaccine, which they should receive as soon as possible.

The 5 focus groups are:
• Pregnant women
• Healthcare workers
• People living with infant children (under the age of six months)
• Children and young adults – under the age of 24
• Older adults up to the age of 65 who have chronic conditions such as Diabetes and Asthma.