Who should get the influenza vaccine?

• Everyone older than 6 months. It is especially important that high risk individuals get the flu vaccine

Who is “high risk?”

• Pregnant women
• Children younger than 5, but especially children younger than 2 years old
• People 50 years of age and older
• People with chronic medical conditions
• Those who live in nursing homes or other long-term care facilities
• Those who live WITH high-risk individuals

How is the flu vaccine given?

• The first year kids under age 10 receive the vaccine, they need two doses one month apart.
• two routes: injected in the muscle of your arm or breathed in your nose

Can I get the flu from the vaccine?

• It is an Inactivated vaccine.  You CANNOT get the flu from the flu vaccine.  It contains three seasonal influenza viruses.  This years’ vaccine protects against 2009 H1N1, and two other influenza viruses.  Most common reaction is soreness at the site of intramuscular injection.

Can I get the nasal spray flu vaccine?

• Yes, if you are between the ages of 2 and 49, not pregnant and not an asthmatic

Talk to your doctor before getting a flu shot if you have a severe allergy to eggs, or to a previous flu shot or if you’ve had a history of Guillain-Barre Syndrome (nervous system disorder) after a previous flu vaccine.

Get more information at the www.cdc.gov .

Roll up those sleeves, Wichita.