Health library

Is a flu shot right for you?

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.

Source: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

Reviewed 5/20/2024

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/.