That time of the year again.  Here’s some information about the flu vaccine…

Who should get the flu vaccine?

Most people who want to reduce the risk of getting influenza can get a flu shot. The CDC recommends the flu vaccine each year if you:

• Are age 6 months up to 19 years
• Are pregnant
• Are 50 years old or older
• Have a chronic medical condition such as asthma, diabetes, or heart, kidney or lung disease
• Have a weakened immune system such as from medications or HIV infection
• Are a resident of a nursing home or other long term care facility
• Are a child care worker or health care worker or live with or care for someone at high risk of complications from the flu

Who shouldn’t get the flu shot?

Don’t get a flu shot if you:

• Have had an allergic reaction to the vaccine in the past.
• Are allergic to eggs (consult with your allergist).
• Developed Guillain-Barre syndrome, a serious autoimmune disease affecting the nerves outside the brain and spinal cord, within six weeks of receiving the vaccine in the past. People who have experienced Guillain-Barre after the flu vaccine are at higher risk than are others of developing it again.
• Have a fever. Wait until your symptoms improve before getting vaccinated.

More information…

• Please call Mid Island Allergy Group to check for availability of flu vaccine.
• We currently carry Fluvirin; an inactivated form of the flu vaccine indicated for ages 4 years and up.
• For more information click here for the CDC link.