INFLUENZA PREVENTION (2015-2016 Season)

Most people who get the flu will have mild illness, will not need medical care or antiviral drugs, and

will recover in less than two weeks. Some people, however, are more likely to get flu complications

that result in being hospitalized and occasionally result in death. Pneumonia, bronchitis, sinus

infections and ear infections are examples of flu-related complications.

People who shoud get Influenza Vaccine:

Routine annual influenza vaccination is recommended for all persons aged ≥6 months who do not

have contraindications. Vaccination optimally should occur before onset of influenza activity in the

community. Health care providers should offer vaccination soon after vaccine becomes available (by

October, if possible).

People at High Risk for Developing Influenza Related Complications:

Children: ≥ 6 months < 2 years < 5 years

Adults: ≥ 65 years

Women who are or will be pregnant during the influenza season

Chornic health conditions (Asthma, COPD, Neurological and Neurodevelopmental conditions,

Heart disease, Blood disorders, Diabetes Mellitus, Kidney disorders, Liver disorders, Metabolic

disorders)

Weakened immune system due to disease or medication (such as people with HIV or AIDS,

or cancer, or those on chronic steroids)

Residents of nursing homes and other long-term care facilities

People who are morbidly obese (BMI ≥ 40)

Household contacts and caregivers of children younger than 5 years and adults aged 65 years and

older, with particular emphasis on vaccinating contacts of children aged younger than 6 months

Household contacts and caregivers of people with medical conditions that put them at higher risk

for severe complications from influenza.

Health-care personnel

Some people should not be vaccinated without first consulting a physician. They include:

People who have an allergy to eggs.

People with severe, life-threatening allergies to flu vaccine or any ingredient in the vaccine. This

might include gelatin, antibiotics, or other ingredients.

People who developed Guillian-Barré syndrome(GBS) within 6 weeks of getting an influenza

vaccine previously.

Children < 6 months of age (influenza vaccine is not approved for use in this age group).

People who have a moderate or severe illness with a fever should wait to get vaccinated until

their symptoms lessen.

For more information contact your doctor. Sources: CDC.gov ; WHO.int/influenza/vaccines