2011/2012 Flu Vaccine Updates
2011-2012 Influenza Vaccine
What is the flu shot?
The flu shot is an inactivated vaccine (containing killed virus) that is given with a needle, usually in the arm. It contains three seasonal influenza viruses that are grown in eggs. The seasonal flu vaccine protects against three influenza viruses that research indicates will be most common during the upcoming season. The 2011-2012 flu vaccine will protect against 2009 H1N1, and two other influenza viruses (an H3N2 virus and an influenza B virus). These are the same viruses that were selected for the influenza vaccine last year but even if you received the vaccine last year, you need to get another vaccination this year.
Who should get a seasonal flu shot?
On February 24, 2010 vaccine experts voted that everyone 6 months and older should get a flu vaccine each year starting with the 2010-2011 influenza season. CDC’s Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) voted for “universal” flu vaccination in the U.S. to expand protection against the flu to more people. While everyone should get a flu vaccine each flu season, it’s especially important that certain people get vaccinated either because they are at high risk of having serious flu-related complications or because they live with or care for people at high risk for developing flu-related complications. While everyone should get a flu vaccine each flu season, it’s especially important that the following groups get vaccinated either because they are at high risk of having serious flu-related complications or because they live with or care for people at high risk for developing flu-related complications:
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Pregnant women
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Children younger than 5, but especially children younger than 2 years old
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People 50 years of age and older
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People of any age with certain chronic medical conditions
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People who live in nursing homes and other long-term care facilities
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People who live with or care for those at high risk for complications from flu, including:
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Health care workers
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Household contacts of persons at high risk for complications from the flu
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Household contacts and out of home caregivers of children less than 6 months of age