The flu can lead to missed work or school, hospitalization and even death. Almost everyone 6 months and older needs a flu shot every year—especially people who are more likely to get seriously ill if they catch the flu.
Who’s at high risk for flu complications?
- Adults 65 and older.
- Children under 2 years old.
- People with chronic health conditions.
- Pregnant women.
- People with weakened immune systems.
- Nursing home residents.
- Non-Hispanic Black people, Hispanic or Latino people, and American Indian or Alaska Native people.
- Caregivers of people at high risk.
Reviewed 6/20/2023
Sources
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. "Key Facts About Seasonal Flu Flu Vaccine." https://www.cdc.gov/flu/prevent/keyfacts.htm.
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. "People at Higher Risk of Flu Complications." https://www.cdc.gov/flu/highrisk/index.htm.
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. "What are the Benefits of Flu Vaccination?" https://www.cdc.gov/flu/prevent/vaccine-benefits.htm.
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. "Who Should and Who Should NOT Get a Flu Vaccine." https://www.cdc.gov/flu/prevent/whoshouldvax.htm.
- NCQA. "Flu Vaccinations (FVA, FVO). https://www.ncqa.org/hedis/measures/flu-vaccinations/.