High-Risk Groups
 

In general, the Center for Disease Control and Prevention recommends that anyone who wants to reduce their risk of getting the flu get a flu vaccination every year. However, there are groups that should strongly consider getting the flu shot because they are at higher risk of developing complications should they get the flu. For 2008, the CDC recommends influenza vaccine be given to the following populations:

Children aged 6 months up to their 19th birthday Pregnant women People 50 years of age and older People of any age with certain chronic medical conditions People who live in nursing homes and other long-term care facilities People who live with or care for those at high risk for complications from flu, including: Health care workers Household contacts of persons at high risk for complications from the flu Household contacts and out of home caregivers of children less than 6 months of age (these children are too young to be vaccinated)