January 28, 2005
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) previously recommended that only certain high-risk groups be vaccinated against influenza this flu season because the shot was in short supply. But now, those who are not in the high-risk groups should contact their doctor or local public health department for information on the availability of the vaccine in their area.
It's still most important for the high-risk groups to be vaccinated against the illness. However, in areas where there's enough vaccine available, non-high-risk individuals (including children 2 years to 18 years) should be considered for the flu shot.
So, who is considered high-risk? The American Academy of Family Physicians (AAFP), the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP), and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) currently recommend that these high-risk groups be given the flu shot:
- children 6 to 23 months
- anyone 65 and up
- women who will be pregnant during the flu season
- anyone who lives or works with infants under 6 months old
- residents of long-term care facilities, such as nursing homes
- any adult or child with chronic medical conditions, such as asthma
- health-care personnel who have direct contact with patients
- children - from 6 months to 18 years - on long-term aspirin therapy
Late last year, the CDC also added the following to the list of priority groups that should get the flu vaccine:
- out-of-home caregivers and household contacts of anyone in any of the high-risk groups
- all adults 50 to 64 years of age
For children under 9 who are getting a flu shot for the first time, it's given in two separate shots 1 month apart. It can take up to 1 or 2 weeks after the shot for the body to build up protection to the flu.
Anyone who's severely allergic to eggs and egg products should not get a flu shot, because the ingredients for flu shots are actually grown inside eggs. If your child is allergic to eggs or egg products, let your child's doctor know before he or she gets a flu shot. Also speak with your child's doctor if your child has ever had a severe reaction to a flu shot.
Why Should Certain Children and Adults Get the Flu Shot?
Given as one injection in the upper arm, the flu shot contains killed flu viruses that will not cause someone to get the flu, but will cause the body to fight off infection by the live flu virus. Getting a shot of the killed virus causes a person to become protected against that particular type of live flu virus if he or she comes into contact with it.
Although the flu season is from November to April, with most cases occurring between late December and early March, the vaccine is usually offered between September and mid-November (but may be given at other times of the year).
Getting the shot before the flu season is in full-force gives the body a chance to build up immunity to, or protection from, the virus. Although you can get a flu shot well into flu season, it's best to try to get it earlier rather than later, if your child's doctor thinks it's necessary. However, there are still 2 or 3 months left in the flu season, which means it's still a good idea to get protection.
Another non-shot option called the nasal mist vaccine came on the market in 2003 and is now approved for use in 5- to 49-year-olds. But this nasal mist isn't for everyone, and can't be used on high-risk children and adults. Also, because the nasal spray flu vaccine is made from live viruses, it may cause mild flu-like symptoms, including runny nose, headache, vomiting, muscle aches, and fever. Check with your child's doctor to see if your child can - or should - get this type of flu vaccine.
So, How Can I Keep My Family From Getting the Flu?
Although there's no guaranteed way - including the vaccine - to prevent anyone from getting the flu, the most simple step you can take is to avoid large crowds. Since it's often nearly impossible to keep kids cooped up, the next best thing is frequent and thorough hand washing - which helps prevent the spread of infections like the flu.
Check out our article, Is the Flu Vaccine a Good Idea for Your Family?, to find out more.
Reviewed by: Steven Dowshen, MD
Date reviewed: January 2005
