Seasonal Influenza (Flu)

All people 6 months and older are now recommended to receive an influenza vaccination each year. The 2011-2012 flu vaccine will protect against three different flu viruses: an H3N2 virus, an influenza B virus and the H1N1 virus that caused so much illness last season. This means you only need one flu vaccine this year and most people will only need to get vaccinated once. The one exception to this is that children aged 6 months through 8 years of age who have never received a seasonal flu vaccine need to get two doses of vaccine spaced at least 4 weeks apart.

Certain people are at "high risk" of serious complications from seasonal influenza. These include people 65 years and older, children younger than five years old, pregnant women, and people of any age with certain chronic medical conditions.

Everyone 6 months and older should get a flu vaccine. Even people who were immunized with the 2010-2011 vaccine should get immunized with the 2011-2012 vaccine. The best time to get vaccinated is as soon as the vaccine is available. You can still get a flu shot or the flu spray vaccine through the fall, winter or spring, since flu season usually peaks in February but continues through May. Many physicians' offices and pharmacies have received supplies of flu vaccine. Individuals who lack health insurance should contact their county health department to inquire about free flu vaccine clinics.