Getting immunized is especially important for some people because they have a greater risk of developing complications from the flu. People in close contact or those who live with people at highrisk of complications should also get immunized as early as possible. Remember, you need a flu shot every year.

The flu shot is especially important for:

• people with weakened immune systems
• young children
• the elderly
• pregnant women
• family members and those who provide care to people in the groups listed above should also get the flu vaccine to protect themselves and those around them.

The risk of the vaccine causing serious harm is very small. However, you should always discuss the benefits and risks of any immunization with your health care provider.

Yes, if you have any of the following chronic conditions, as you are more at risk of developing complications from the seasonal flu:

• heart disease
• kidney disease
• asthma and chronic lung disease
• liver disease
• diabetes
• serious obesity
• diseases or treatments that affect the immune systems such as cancer, HIV/AIDS, organ transplants
• blood disorders
• neurological disorders
• medical conditions where people have difficulty swallowing or are at risk of choking
• children’s and adolescents' medical conditions treated for long periods with acetylsalicylic acid (Aspirin®).

If you are in contact with people with these conditions, you should also get a flu shot to help protect them.

To get your flu shot, call your health care provider or find out where flu clinics are being held in your community.

• Infants under 6 months of age (the current vaccine is not recommended for this age group).
• Anyone with a serious allergy (anaphylaxis) to any ingredient in the vaccine. A serious allergic reaction usually means that the person develops hives, swelling of the mouth and throat or has trouble breathing, a sudden drop in blood pressure, or shock after exposure to the ingredient they are allergic to. Your health care provider can tell you which components are in the specific vaccine. Some vaccines contain small quantities of antibiotics or preservatives.
• Anyone who had a serious allergic reaction to a previous dose of the influenza vaccine.
• Anyone who developed Guillain-Barré Syndrome (GBS) within 8 weeks of a previous influenza immunization should avoid influenza immunization in the future. The vaccine should be temporarily delayed in the following persons:
• Anyone with a moderate to severe acute illness with fever should usually wait until the symptoms subside before being immunized. However, people with a minorillness, with or without a fever (e.g., a cold), could still get the influenza vaccine.
• Immunization should be delayed in individuals with an evolving neurologic disorder, but should be considered when the disease process has been stabilized.