Who should avoid getting the flu vaccine

Influenza (flu) is a contagious respiratory illness caused by the influenza virus that infects the nose, throat, and sometimes the lungs. The virus can cause mild or severe illness and sometimes death. The best way to prevent the flu is to get vaccinated every year.

Most experts believe that influenza viruses spread primarily through droplets produced when someone with the flu coughs, sneezes, or talks. These droplets may land in the mouths or noses of nearby people. In rare cases, a person can get the flu if they touch a surface or object that is contaminated with the flu virus and then touch their own mouth, nose, or eyes.

flu symptoms

Symptoms of the flu can range from mild to severe. Symptoms often appear suddenly and include the following::

• Fever* or feeling feverish/chilled
• cough
• sore throat
• Runny or stuffy nose
• muscle or body pain
• Headache
• fatigue (fatigue)
• Vomiting and diarrhea are more common in children than in adults.

Who should not get the flu vaccine

An annual influenza vaccine is recommended for everyone 6 months of age and older, except for certain people who should not receive the flu vaccine, including:

• Children under 6 months of age are too young to receive the flu vaccine.
• People who have a severe, life-threatening allergy to any component of the vaccine, including influenza vaccine (except egg protein), should not receive this vaccine. This may include gelatin, antibiotics, or other ingredients.
• People who have a severe allergic reaction to one dose of flu vaccine should not get another flu shot, and they may not be able to get other vaccines. If you have a severe allergic reaction to the flu shot, be sure to talk to your healthcare provider to help you determine if there is a vaccine available.

Who should not receive the nasal spray vaccine

The nasal spray vaccine is approved for people ages 2 to 49. Many people in this age group can receive the nasal spray vaccine, but it is not recommended for certain groups, such as pregnant women and people with certain medical conditions. Between them:

• Children under 2 years old.
• Adults over 50 years old.
• People who have had a severe, life-threatening allergic reaction to any ingredient in the nasal spray vaccine (except egg protein).
• People who have had a severe allergic reaction to any flu vaccine.
• Children and adolescents aged 2 to 17 years who are taking medicines containing aspirin or salicylates.
• People who have a weakened immune system (immunocompromised) due to any reason.
• Caregivers or close contacts of people with severely compromised immune systems who require a protected environment (or avoid contact with these people for 7 days after receiving the nasal spray vaccine).
• Pregnant people.
• Children 2 to 4 years old who have asthma or a history of wheezing in the past 12 months
• People who have a cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) leak (fluid leaks and leaks from the space between the brain and the nose, throat, ears, or other parts of the head).
• People with cochlear implants.
• People who have recently taken anti-flu viral medications. This depends on the specific flu antiviral medicine they are taking and when they took their last dose.