Immunizations - Viral Influenza

Of note: There has been some question concerning flu shots because of some reports that vaccines may worsen asthma. Recent and major studies have been reporting, however, that the vaccination is safe for children with asthma. It is also very important for these patients to reduce their risk for respiratory diseases. Still, 90% of asthma patients remain unvaccinated.

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Older Children and Adults Who Should Be Vaccinated. The following in order of priority are the population groups who should be vaccinated each year. The first two groups have the highest need for flu shots and are given top priority:

All adults 65 years and older.Older adults who geta flu shothave lower hospitalization rates than those who do not. Evidence now suggests that vaccination may help protect against adverse heart events (including after heart surgeries), stroke, and death from all causes in the elderly. Still, studies suggest that only two thirds of this group are vaccinated, mostly because of unwarranted fears of ineffectiveness or adverse effects.
People of any age at high risk for serious complications from the flu. Such people include those with heart disease, lung problems, immune deficiencies, diabetes, kidney disease, or chronic blood disease. Those with any condition that may compromise respiratory function or the handling of respiratory secretions, including people with cognitive dysfunction, spinal cord injuries, seizure disorders, or other neuromuscular disorders, are included in this group. (There have been concerns about the safety of the vaccinations in certain high-risk patients such as those with HIV or asthma.Studies now suggest that the vaccine is generally safe in these patient groups. Furthermore, their risk for serious complications from the flu outweighs any potential adverse effects from the vaccines.)
Adults between the ages of 50 and 64 who have chronic medical conditions. (The US Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) suggests that all adults over age 50 should be vaccinated, although this is not recommendation of the CDC.)
All healthcare workers should be vaccinated, according to ACIP?s 2005 recommendations.
Household members in contact with individuals who are at high-risk for complications from the flu should be vaccinated.

Other adults who should consider flu shots include:

People at risk for complications for the flu and who are traveling to the tropics at any time or to the Southern Hemisphere between April and September.
Pregnant women who are at risk for complications of the flu and who will be in their second or third trimester during flu season. (Vaccinations should usually be given after the first trimester. Exceptions may be women who are in their first trimester during flu season and their risk from complications of the flu is higher than any theoretical risk to the baby from the vaccine.)
People such as firemen or policemen who are critical for public safety.