No one can predict how bad the flu season will be or which flu strains will predominate. The strains included in this year's seasonal flu vaccine were scientist's best guess of what will circulate. The new H1N1 influenza has really upset even the best predictions, and now most folks who are accustomed to getting a flu shot every fall are faced with getting two shots; one for seasonal flu and one for the new H1N1 strain. The H1N1 flu vaccine isn't available yet. We can expect it in a few weeks. Getting vaccinated for both seasonal and H1N1 flu strains will cover all the possible circulating strains and reduce the number people who suffer complications or death from influenza.
Who should get the vaccine for seasonal influenza?
People who are at high risk for complications from seasonal flu:
- Children 6 months through 18 years of age,
- Pregnant women,
- People 50 years of age and older,
- People of any age with certain chronic medical conditions, and
- 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:
- Household contacts of persons at high risk for complications from the flu (see above),
- Household contacts and out-of-home caregivers of children less than 6 months of age (these children are too young to be vaccinated), and
- Healthcare workers.
Vaccine for seasonal flu is also available for anyone wishing to reduce their chance of getting influenza.
For more information on seasonal flu vaccine, go here.
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