Definition of Flu shot

Flu shot: The flu (influenza) vaccine is recommended annually (each year) for persons at high risk for serious complications from influenza virus infection.

This includes:

• 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);
• Women who will be in the second or third trimester of pregnancy during the influenza season;
• People in close or frequent contact with anyone at high risk, including:
• Physicians, nurses, and other personnel in both hospital and outpatient-care settings;
• Employees of nursing homes and chronic-care facilities who have contact with patients or residents;
• Providers of home care to persons at high risk (e.g., visiting nurses and volunteer workers); and
• Household members (including children) of persons in high-risk groups.

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

Source: MedTerms™ Medical Dictionary
http://www.medterms.com/script/main/art.asp?articlekey=9447
Last Editorial Review: 4/27/2011 5:27:15 PM