Influenza (Flu) – Seasonal, H1N1, Others

The FLU ends with U - moms make a difference - Learn more - www.flu.govSeasonal flu vaccine is now recommended for everyone 6 months of age and older.

Seasonal Flu Information

Dosing recommendations for children younger than 9 years of age:

  • Children < 9 years who have had > 2 doses of seasonal flu vaccine in their lifetime and at least one dose of pandemic H1N1 vaccine need only one dose of flu vaccine this season.
  • All other children < 9 years, including those with an uncertain flu vaccine history, should received 2 doses of seasonal flu vaccine, > 4 weeks apart.

There are some people for whom it is especially important to receive flu vaccine every year. These include:

People at Increased Risk for Influenza-Related Complications:

  • All children 6 months through 4 years of age.
  • All people > 50 years of age.
  • People 6 months - 18 years of age who are receiving long-term aspirin therapy.
  • Women who will be pregnant during influenza season and postpartum women.
  • People >6 months of age who have:
    • Chronic pulmonary (including asthma), cardiovascular (except hyper tension), renal, hepatic, neurological, hematologic, or metabolic disorders, including diabetes;
    • Immunosuppression (including immunosuppression caused by medications or HIV);
    • Any condition (e.g, 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 of aspiration.
  • Residents of nursing homes and other chronic-care facilities.
  • American Indians/Alaska Natives - New!
  • People who are morbidly obese (BMI > 40) - New!

Persons Who Can Transmit Influenza to Persons at High Risk:

  • Health care personnel (HCP), employees of assisted living facilities, people who provide home care to people at risk, medical emergency response workers, and students in these professions.
  • Household contacts (including children) and caregivers of children aged < 5 years and adults > 50 years, and of persons at risk for complications from flu (listed above).

Persons at increased risk of exposure to influenza:

  • Persons who provide essential community services.
  • Students and other persons in institutional settings (e.g, dormitories).
  • Certain travelers.

COVID-19 (Coronavirus Disease 2019)

While similar in symptoms, the Coronavirus is a different virus than what causes the flu. We have a dedicated page for the Coronavirus 2019. Please visit our COVID webpage for the latest information on the virus and how to protect yourself.