The Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) recently changed its recommendations for flu shots to include children from 6 to 23 months. Other populations that are routinely recommended to receive vaccination include persons 65 years of age and older, persons with chronic diseases (such as diabetes, asthma, cardiovascular disease and immunodeficiency states), residents of nursing homes or other long-term residential facilities, and women who will be pregnant during the influenza season (November through May).

In addition, the flu vaccine is recommended for persons who may be at risk for transmitting the disease to those populations above: healthcare workers, close family contacts of high-risk groups or those who provide home healthcare. Finally, it is encouraged in persons ages 50 to 64. In other words, those 65 and older really ought to get it, while those ages 50 to 64 should strongly consider it.

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