Definition of Vaccine, influenza

Vaccine, influenza: The influenza (flu) vaccine is recommended for persons at high risk for serious complications from influenza virus infection.

Those include:

• Everyone age 65 or more;
• People with chronic diseases of the heart;
• People with chronic diseases of the lung;
• People with chronic diseases of the kidneys;
• People with diabetes;
• People with immunosuppression;
• People with severe forms of anemia;
• Residents of nursing homes and other chronic-care facilities;
• Children and teenagers receiving long-term aspirin therapy (who may therefore be at risk for developing Reye syndrome after an influenza virus infection);
• People in close or frequent contact with anyone at high risk.

People with an allergy to eggs should not receive influenza vaccine.

Source: MedTerms™ Medical Dictionary
http://www.medterms.com/script/main/art.asp?articlekey=5947
Last Editorial Review: 6/14/2012