Flu Shots

What is Influenza (Also Called Flu)?

Influenza (or flu) is a contagious viral infection that causes headache, fever, chills, cough or sore throat and body aches. The best way to prevent the flu is by getting a flu vaccination each year.

Every year in the United States, on average:

5% to 20% of the population gets the flu;
more than 200,000 people are hospitalized from flu complications, and;
about 36,000 people die from flu.

Preventing the Flu: Get Vaccinated

The single best way to prevent the flu is to get a flu vaccination each year. The flu shot is approved for use in people 6 months of age and older, including healthy people and people with chronic medical conditions. You cannot get the flu from getting vaccinated. Because the flu virus changes each year, it is important that you receive a flu vaccine every year. It takes about two weeks after vaccination to develop protection against the flu.

When to Get Vaccinated

October or November is the best time to get vaccinated, but getting vaccinated in December or even later can still be beneficial since most influenza activity occurs in January or later in most years. Though it varies, flu season can last as late as May. Any protection against the flu is better than no protection.

Persons Recommended for Influenza Vaccination

It is recommended that all persons, including school-aged children who want to lower their chances of becoming sick with the flu or spreading the flu, be vaccinated. Other groups for whom the flu vaccine is highly recommended include:

All children aged 6-59 months;
Adults aged ≥ 65 years of age;
Adults aged 50-64 years of age;
Persons aged 2-64 years with underlying chronic medical conditions;
Persons ≥ 2 years old with conditions that can cause breathing problems;
All women who will be pregnant during the influenza season;
Residents of nursing homes and long-term care facilities;
Children aged 6 months to 18 years on chronic aspirin therapy;
All health care personnel; and
Out-of-home caregivers and household contacts of persons in the high-risk groups.