Should I get a flu shot? Is it worth the effort?

Who should get a flu shot?

In general, anyone who wants to reduce his chances of… Who should get a flu shot?

In general, anyone who wants to reduce his chances of getting the flu can get vaccinated. However, certain people should get vaccinated each year. They are either people who are at high risk of having serious flu complications or people who live with or care for those at high risk for serious complications. During flu season, when vaccine supplies are limited or delayed, the ACIP makes recommendations regarding priority groups for vaccination.

People at high risk for complications from the flu include:

Children aged 6 months until their 5th birthday, Pregnant women, People 50 years of age and older, and People of any age with certain chronic medical conditions; People who live in nursing homes and other long-term-care facilities.

Who should not get a flu shot?

Talk with a doctor before getting a flu shot if you:

1) Have ever had a severe allergic reaction to eggs or to a previous flu shot, or

2) Have a history of Guillain-Barr