If you are in any of the following groups or live in a household with someone who is, CDC recommends that you get the flu vaccine.
You are 50 years of age or older
You have chronic diseases of your heart, lungs, or kidneys
You have diabetes
Your immune system does not function properly
You have a severe form of anemia
You will be more than 3 months pregnant during the flu season
You live in a nursing home or other chronic-care housing facility
You are in close contact with children 0 to 23 months of age
CDC recommends that children 6 months to 23 months of age get the flu vaccine.
Children and teenagers (6 months to 18 years of age) should get the flu vaccine if they are taking long-term aspirin treatment as they may be at risk of developing Reye’s syndrome following a flu infection (see section on complications in children). They should also get the flu vaccine if they live in a household with someone in the above groups.
Health care providers and volunteers should get the flu vaccine if they work with people in any of the above groups.

Possible side effects
You should be aware that the flu vaccine can cause side effects. The most common side effect in children and adults is soreness at the site of the vaccination. Other side effects, especially in children who previously have not been exposed to the flu virus, include fever, tiredness, and sore muscles. These side effects may begin 6 to 12 hours after vaccination and may last for up to 2 days.

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Viruses for producing the vaccine are grown in chicken eggs and then killed with a chemical so that they can no longer cause an infection. The flu vaccine may contain some egg protein, which can cause an allergic reaction. Therefore, if you are allergic to eggs or have ever had a serious allergic reaction to the flu vaccine, CDC recommends that you consult with your health care provider before getting vaccinated.

Source: National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID). NIAID is a component of the National Institutes of Health (NIH), which is an agency of the Department of Health and Human Services. NIAID supports basic and applied research to prevent, diagnose, and treat infectious and immune-mediated illnesses. It does not endorse any of the products or services advertised on this Web site. Common Cold Fact Sheet last updated December 2004; last reviewed September 2006. Flu Fact Sheet last updated March 2006; last reviewed September 2006.

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