Flu Prevention and Vaccination
 It’s National Influenza Vaccination Week.
Everyone 6 months of age and older should get the flu vaccine. Seasonal flu vaccines have a very good safety track record and will protect you for one flu season.
The flu vaccine is available by shot or nasal spray.
The flu shot is:
• Made with inactivated (killed) flu virus
• Given by needle
• Approved for use in healthy people older than 6 months and people with chronic health conditions
Available in 3 types:
• Regular, for people 6 months and older
• High-dose, for people 65 and older.
• Intradermal, for people 18-64. This type of shot is given with a needle 90% smaller than a regular flu shot.
The nasal spray is:
• Made with weakened live flu virus
• Given with a mist sprayed in your nose
• Approved for healthy people between the ages of 2 and 49, except pregnant women
It is especially important to get the vaccine if you, someone you live with, or someone you care for is at high risk of complications from the flu.
CDC will host a live Twitter chat on Wednesday, December 5 from 1-2 p.m. EDT, featuring CDC Influenza subject matter expert, Dr. Mike Jhung. The chat will emphasize that getting vaccinated in December, January and beyond is not too late and still provides protective benefit against influenza, to remind parents and providers of the need for certain children to receive a second dose for optimal protection, and to address questions about the flu and the flu vaccine. Participate or follow this event on Twitter @CDCFlu, #NIVW2012.
Everybody can do their part to help prevent the spread of germs and protect themselves from the flu. Follow us on Twitter (@FluGov) for a different flu tip each Friday (#FluTips).
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