Information for Health Care Providers & Clinicians
Seasonal Flu Vaccination
When vaccine is available, you should immunize any person (without contraindications) age six months and older. The vaccine is generally available from August through January. People highly recommended for vaccination based on their risk of complications from influenza or because they are in close contact with someone at higher risk of influenza complications include: children aged 6 months until their 5th birthday, pregnant women, people 50 years of age and older, people of any age with certain chronic health conditions (such as asthma, diabetes, or heart disease), people who live in nursing homes and other long-term care facilities, household contacts of person at high risk for complications from influenza, household contacts and out of home caregivers of children less than 6 months of age, and health care workers.
People who should NOT be vaccinated include those: who have a severe allergy to chicken eggs, who have had a severe reaction to an influenza vaccination, who have developed Guillian-Barré syndrome within 6 weeks of getting an influenza vaccine, children less than 6 months of age (influenza vaccine is not approved for this age group), and who have a moderate to severe illness with a fever (they should wait until they recover to get vaccinated). For more information see Seasonal Flu Vaccine Guidance.
Influenza Prevention to Keep Your Patients Well
Free, downloadable materials are available on this website for your offices. These materials offer common sense advice to keep your patients well. These materials can be used in a variety of settings and can be adapted to suit your needs.