Influenza Immunization
The best way to reduce the effects of influenza is through annual vaccination. Influenza vaccines are safe and effective. Although mild side effects from vaccination are possible, a person cannot get influenza from the vaccine.1
Annual immunization is the best way to protect against influenza.1 We at the American Lung Association urge you and your loved ones to get vaccinated as soon as you can, whenever that is during the influenza season. Vaccination typically begins in October and can continue through March. In most seasons, influenza virus activity doesn't peak until February or March.1 Influenza vaccination is a safe and effective way to help prevent influenza.1
Different strains of influenza often circulate each year. Influenza vaccine is produced every year to match these specific strains and stop their ability to cause infection. Since the viruses that circulate each season often change, it is important to get vaccinated before each season to have the best protection.
We all know someone who needs to be vaccinated against the influenza virus this year. In fact, it is likely that you or a family member fall into one of the groups that health officials recommend receive influenza vaccination.
While almost anyone can benefit from influenza vaccination, annual immunization is recommended for more than 200 million Americans annually. The US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends people who have a high risk of developing complications from the influenza virus and for those who are most likely to spread the virus to persons at risk.
The target groups are:1
- Anyone, including school-aged children, who wants to prevent influenza
- Adults and children with chronic medical condition, such as asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), heart disease, weakened immune system, diabetes and others
- Children 6 – 59 months of age
- Children 6 months – 18 years of age who are on long-term aspirin treatment
- Women who are pregnant during the influenza season
- Household contacts and caregivers of persons at high risk, including children younger than 6 months of age who are too young to be vaccinated. This includes parents, grandparents, siblings, babysitters and daycare providers.
- Adults 50 years of age and older
- Residents of long-term care facilities and nursing homes
- Health-care personnel who come in contact with patients
Note: Children under 9 years of age receiving an influenza vaccination for the first time need two doses approximately one month apart.1
Some people should not be vaccinated or should first talk with their health-care provider. These include:1
- People with severe allergies to eggs
- People who have had a severe allergic reaction to a past influenza vaccination
- Children younger than 6 months of age