Is the Flu Vaccine a Good Idea for Your Family?

The flu season is from November to April, with most cases occurring between late December and early March, but the vaccine is usually offered between September and mid-November (and may be given at other times of the year).

Getting the shot before the flu season is in full force gives the body a chance to build up immunity to, or protection from, the virus. Although you can get a flu shot well into flu season, it's best to try to get it earlier rather than later. However, even when there are only 2 or 3 months left in the flu season, it's still a good idea to get protection if the vaccine is available in your area.

In times when the vaccine is in short supply, certain people need it more than others. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) often will recommend that certain high-risk groups be given priority when flu shot supplies are limited. The CDC does not anticipate a shortage this year, but it's difficult to predict how many doses will be used. Call your doctor or local public health department about vaccine availability in your area.

A non-shot option, the nasal mist vaccine, came on the market in 2003 and is now approved for use in 5- to 49-year-olds. But it isn't for everyone and can't be used on high-risk kids and adults. Check with your doctor to see if your child can — or should — get this type of flu vaccine.

So Who Should Typically Get the Flu Shot?

High-risk children who should get the flu vaccine include those who:

• are between 6–59 months of age
• were born prematurely and are at increased risk of developing lung problems if they get influenza
• have chronic heart or lung disorders, including asthma
• have chronic diseases such as diabetes mellitus, kidney disease, severe anemia, or immune deficiency (including HIV/AIDS and immunosuppression caused by drugs)
• are on long-term aspirin therapy and may be at risk for Reye syndrome if they catch the flu
• live with someone in any of the high-risk groups above

High-risk adults who should get the flu vaccine include:

• those who have chronic lung or heart disorders
• those who have chronic diseases such as diabetes mellitus, kidney disease, severe anemia, or immune deficiency (including HIV/AIDS and immunosuppression caused by drugs)
• pregnant women
• residents of nursing homes and other facilities that care for people with chronic medical conditions
• health care workers and other employees of hospitals, nursing homes, and chronic care and other outpatient facilities who care for patients
• police, firefighters, and other public safety workers
• those planning to travel to the tropics at any time or to the Southern Hemisphere from April through September who did not receive a flu vaccine the previous year
• everyone 50 years of age or older
• out-of-home caregivers and household contacts of anyone in any of the high-risk groups

If you want to get the flu shot and aren't in the high-risk groups listed above, talk to your doctor about vaccine availability.