We are independent & ad-supported. We may earn a commission for purchases made through our links.
Advertiser Disclosure
Our website is an independent, advertising-supported platform. We provide our content free of charge to our readers, and to keep it that way, we rely on revenue generated through advertisements and affiliate partnerships. This means that when you click on certain links on our site and make a purchase, we may earn a commission. Learn more.
How We Make Money
We sustain our operations through affiliate commissions and advertising. If you click on an affiliate link and make a purchase, we may receive a commission from the merchant at no additional cost to you. We also display advertisements on our website, which help generate revenue to support our work and keep our content free for readers. Our editorial team operates independently of our advertising and affiliate partnerships to ensure that our content remains unbiased and focused on providing you with the best information and recommendations based on thorough research and honest evaluations. To remain transparent, we’ve provided a list of our current affiliate partners here.
Health

Our Promise to you

Founded in 2002, our company has been a trusted resource for readers seeking informative and engaging content. Our dedication to quality remains unwavering—and will never change. We follow a strict editorial policy, ensuring that our content is authored by highly qualified professionals and edited by subject matter experts. This guarantees that everything we publish is objective, accurate, and trustworthy.

Over the years, we've refined our approach to cover a wide range of topics, providing readers with reliable and practical advice to enhance their knowledge and skills. That's why millions of readers turn to us each year. Join us in celebrating the joy of learning, guided by standards you can trust.

Who Needs an Influenza Immunization?

By Debra Durkee
Updated: May 17, 2024
Views: 2,222
Share

Every year, thousands of people die from influenza or from its complications. People particularly vulnerable to the virus, including young children, the elderly, and those with compromised immune systems, should consider getting an influenza immunization. Those at high risk for exposure to the flu virus should also get the immunization.

Influenza immunizations can help most individuals avoid contracting the influenza virus. Those at particular risk not only for contracting the virus but for suffering complications should be immunized. Starting at the age of six months, children should be immunized at the beginning of the flu season. If they are under the age of nine and receiving a vaccination for the first time, they will need to receive two shots one month apart in order for the immunization to be effective.

Those in close contact with young children should also receive an influenza immunization, including members of the household, caregivers, teachers, and daycare workers. Pregnant women and women who will be pregnant at any time during the flu season should also receive an influenza immunization, protecting not only themselves but the baby.

At the other end of the spectrum, individuals over the age of 50 are also advised to receive an influenza immunization. Additionally, healthcare workers and those who work or live in a nursing home or assisted living facility should be vaccinated. As with children, it is important that individuals in contact with people vulnerable to complications from the flu be protected against contracting the virus.

Those suffering from compromised immune systems should also receive an influenza immunization. This includes people living with or being treated for cancers, chronic liver disease, severe asthma, anemia, diabetes, kidney disease, or HIV/AIDS. Continued and ongoing treatment involving the use of steroids also puts an individual at risk.

There are two different types of influenza immunizations: a flu shot and a mist administered as a nasal spray. The flu shot has been approved for use in individuals over the age of two, while the mist is recommended only for those between the ages of two and 49. Unlike the flu shot, with which a person is injected with a dead flu virus in order to allow the body time to develop antibodies to fight the intruder, the nasal spray administers a weakened but live version of the virus.

Share
WiseGeek is dedicated to providing accurate and trustworthy information. We carefully select reputable sources and employ a rigorous fact-checking process to maintain the highest standards. To learn more about our commitment to accuracy, read our editorial process.

Editors' Picks

Discussion Comments
Share
https://www.wisegeek.net/who-needs-an-influenza-immunization.htm
Copy this link
WiseGeek, in your inbox

Our latest articles, guides, and more, delivered daily.

WiseGeek, in your inbox

Our latest articles, guides, and more, delivered daily.