Flu shot: Why get vaccinated?

Influenza (flu) is a contagious disease spread by coughs and sneezes.  For most people, it lasts only a few days.  It can cause fever, sore throat, fatigue, cough, headache, and muscle aches.  Every year, 200,000 people are hospitalized and 36,000 people die from flu complications.

The best way to prevent the flu is by getting a flu vaccination each year.

Who should get vaccinated?

• All children from 6 months to 5 years old
• Anyone 50 years of age or older
• Women who are or may be pregnant
• Anyone with long-term health problems
• Health care providers
• Household contacts and caregivers of children
• Residents of nursing homes or dormitories
• People who provide community service.

It is very important that all children over 6 months of age be immunized against both influenza viruses (both regular seasonal flu and H1NI (swine flu)).  Children under 9 years of age need two regular flu shots, given one month apart.  Older children need just a single shot of the seasonal flu vaccine.  As of today's date, NIH data reveals that it is likely that the H1N1 flu vaccine will require just one dose for children 10 to 17 years of age.