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According to the CDC, these are the recommendations on who should receive the influenza vaccination (the reference is given below):
In general, anyone who wants to reduce their chances of getting the flu can get vaccinated. However, it is recommended by ACIP 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. During flu seasons when vaccine supplies are limited or delayed, ACIP makes recommendations regarding priority groups for vaccination.
People who should get vaccinated each year are:
People at high risk for complications from the flu, including:
Children aged 6 months until their 5th birthday,
Pregnant women,
People 50 years of age and older, and
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:
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)
Healthcare workers.
Here is the link to the CDC site: http://www.cdc.gov/flu/protect/keyfacts.htm .
Dr. Jeremy
I know there are restrictions on certain populations, like over age 60. Can you tell us why? How is the mist different from the shot, functionally?
The "nasal-spray" flu vaccine is made with live, weakened flu viruses that do not cause the flu. It is approved for use in 'healthy' people 2-49 years of age and who are not pregnant.
Hope this helps,
Dr. Jeremy