IMMUNIZATION, FLU

The flu (influenza) vaccine is recommended for persons at high risk for serious complications from influenza infection, including everyone 65 or over; people with chronic diseases of the heart, lung or kidneys, diabetes, immunosuppression, or severe forms of anemia; residents of nursing homes and other chronic-care facilities, children and teenagers taking aspirin therapy (and who may therefore be at risk for developing Reye syndrome after an influenza infection), and those in close or frequent contact with anyone at high risk. Persons with an allergy to eggs should not receive influenza vaccine.