Anyone can get the flu. But as you probably know from experience, some people are at higher risk for serious influenza complications. People with
cardiovascular disease, diabetes, or respiratory disease run a higher risk of serious complications and should be distinguished as high-risk patients. Children between the ages of 6 months and 23 months also fall into the high-risk category. [1]
Since the majority of influenza-related deaths occur among people 65 years of age and older, they constitute another high-risk group. [2] Response to influenza infection in this group may be affected by a phenomenon termed immunosenescence. Immunosenescence is a diminishing of the immune system’s ability to fight infection which occurs with increasing age. [12]
Flu vaccinations are critically important
The Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) recommends an annual flu vaccination for the following high-risk groups: (Remember—even if you’re not considered high risk, you can still transmit the virus to someone who is.) [1]
All persons, including school-aged children, who want to reduce the risk of becoming ill with influenza or of transmitting influenza to others
All children aged 6–59 months (i.e., 6 months–4 years)
All persons aged ≥50 years
Children and adolescents (aged 6 months–18 years) receiving long-term aspirin therapy who therefore might be at risk for experiencing Reye syndrome after influenza virus infection
Women who will be pregnant during the influenza season
Adults and children who have chronic pulmonary (including asthma), cardiovascular (except hypertension), renal, hepatic, hematological or metabolic disorders (including diabetes mellitus)
Adults and children who have immunosuppression (including immunosuppression caused by medications or by human immunodeficiency virus)
Adults and children who have any condition (eg, cognitive dysfunction, spinal cord injuries, seizure disorders, or other neuromuscular disorders) that can compromise respiratory function or the handling of respiratory secretions or that can increase the risk for aspiration
Residents of nursing homes and other chronic-care facilities
Health-care personnel
Healthy household contacts (including children) and caregivers of children aged <5 years and adults aged ≥50 years, with particular emphasis on vaccinating contacts of children aged <6 months
Healthy household contacts (including children) and caregivers of persons with medical conditions that put them at higher risk for severe complications from influenza.
