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Who Should Get Vaccinated?

 

People at high risk for complications from influenza:

· Children 6-23 months of age

· People 65 years of age and older

· People who have long term health problems

· People on Chemotherapy!

· People in close proximity to someone on chemotherapy!

· People with conditions that can cause breathing problems

· People with a weakened immune system

· Women who will be pregnant during influenza season

· Residents of long term care facilities housing persons with chronic medical conditions

 

When to Get Vaccinated

 

October and November is the best time to get vaccinated, but getting vaccinated in December or even later can still be beneficial. Flu season can begin as early as October and last as late as May.

There are two types of flu vaccines:

 

1. The “flu shot”- an inactivated vaccine (containing killed virus) that is given with a needle.  The flu shot is approved for use in people older than 6 months, including healthy people and people with chronic medical conditions. (*** This form of the vaccine is HIGHLY recommended for anyone on chemotherapy or anyone in close proximity to someone on chemotherapy)

 

2. The nasal-spray flu vaccine-a vaccine made with live, weakened flu viruses that do not cause the flu (sometimes called LAIV for “Live Attenuated Influenza Vaccine”). (***This form of the vaccine is NOT safe for anyone on chemotherapy or anyone that is in close proximity to someone on chemotherapy)

The Flu Vaccine

More Vaccine info on next page