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Influenza Vaccine


What You Need to Know

Page 1

Why get vaccinated?

Influenza is a serious disease. It is caused by a virus that spreads from infected persons to the nose or throat of others. The "influenza season" in the U.S. is from November through April each year.

Influenza can cause:
  • fever -sore throat
  • cough -headache
  • chills - muscle aches
People of any age can get influenza. Most people are ill with influenza for only a few days, but some get much sicker and may need to be hospitalized. Influenza causes thousands of deaths each year, mostly among the elderly.

Influenza vaccine can prevent influenza.

Influenza vaccine

Influenza viruses change often. Therefore, influenza vaccine is updated each year to make sure it is as effective as possible.

Protection develops about 2 weeks after getting the shot and may last up to a year.

Who should get influenza vaccine?

People at risk for getting a serious case of influenza or influenza complications, and people in close contact with them (including all household members) should get the vaccine.

An annual flu shot is recommended for these groups:
  • Everyone 50 years of age or older.
  • Residents of long term care facilities housing persons with chronic medical conditions.
  • Anyone who has a serious long-term health problem with:
        - heart disease     - kidney disease
        - lung disease       - metabolic disease, such as diabetes
        - asthma             - anemia, and other blood disorders

  • Anyone whose immune system is weakened because of:
        - HIV/AIDS or other diseases that affect the immune system
        - long-term treatment with drugs such as steroids
        - cancer treatment with x-rays or drugs

  • Anyone 6 months to 18 years of age on long-term aspirin treatment (who could develop Reye Syndrome if they catch influenza).

  • Women who will be past the 3rd month of pregnancy during the influenza season.

  • Physicians, nurses, family members, or anyone else coming in close contact with people at risk of serious influenza.

    Others who should consider getting influenza vaccine:

  • People who provide essential community services

  • Persons traveling to the Southern hemisphere between April and September, or to the tropics at any time

  • Persons living in dormitories or in other crowded conditions, to prevent outbreaks

  • Anyone who wants to reduce their chance of catching influenza

When should I get influenza vaccine?

Because influenza activity can start as early as December, the best time to get influenza vaccine is during October and November. But getting the vaccine after November can still provide protection. A new shot is needed each year.

  • People 9 years of age and older need one shot.
  • Children less than 9 years old need two shots, given one month apart, the first time they get vaccinated against influenza.

Influenza vaccine can be given at the same time as other vaccines, including Pneumococcal vaccine.


U.S. DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH & HUMAN SERVICES
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
National Immunization Program

( Influenza 4-24-01 Vaccine Information Statement )

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