Flu Shots

Who Should Get a Flu Shot

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends that everyone 6 months and older should receive the flu vaccine. Some people are more likely to get the flu or to have a severe infection if they catch it. People at risk for more serious flu infections should always get a flu vaccine every year. Thus, the CDC recommends extra efforts to vaccinate people in the following groups: 

• Pregnant women or women who will be pregnant due flu season
• Children younger than 5 years and especially those under 2 years (but 6 months or older)
• Household contacts and caregivers of children under the age of 6 months, including breastfeeding women
• Are a health care worker or live with a health care worker
• Have chronic lung or heart disease
• Have sickle cell anemia or other hemoglobinopathies
• Live in a nursing home or extended care facilities
• Live with people who have chronic health problems
• Have kidney disease, anemia, severe asthma, diabetes, or chronic liver disease
• Have a weakened immune system (including those with cancer or HIV/AIDS)
• Receive long-term treatment with steroids for any condition

When to Get a Flu Shot

Flu season can start as early as October so it is best to get vaccinated in October or November however, if you aren't vaccinated during these two months don't skip the shot altogether. The flu season can continue into May, so shots in December and later can still be effective. 

How Much do Flu Shots Cost?