Title: CDC Recommends Flu Shots for Everyone Over Six Months of Age, Excluding Those with Severe Allergies
Subtitle: CDC emphasizes the importance of getting vaccinated against influenza as flu season approaches
Date: [Current Date]
In its latest announcement on August 23, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) is urging all individuals over the age of six months to receive a flu shot this year, unless they have a “severe, life-threatening” allergy to a component of the vaccine. The CDC advises that ideally, one flu shot should be administered in September or October, but vaccination should continue throughout the season as long as influenza viruses are circulating.
According to the CDC’s guidance, certain children under the age of 9 may require two different flu shots, given four weeks apart. The number of doses depends on the child’s vaccination history, and it is recommended that the first dose be given as early as possible.
The CDC emphasizes that nearly everyone aged six months and older, with few exceptions, should get the flu vaccine this year. Exceptions include individuals with severe allergies to vaccine components. Children aged six months and older, who require only one dose, may consider vaccination during July and August.
For the 2023-2024 flu season in the United States, all distributed flu vaccines will be “quadrivalent,” meaning they will contain four components to effectively combat the virus strains.
However, it should be noted that not everyone will receive the same flu shot. Two of the eight approved flu shots are specifically for individuals aged 65 and older, two are for those between 6 months and 3 years old, and another is exclusively for individuals over 18 years of age. The CDC also announced that individuals with egg allergies will have additional flu vaccine choices available this season.
Previously, individuals allergic to eggs faced limitations in receiving certain flu shots due to vaccine components derived from eggs. However, the CDC now states that additional safety measures for individuals with egg allergies are no longer recommended beyond those advised for receiving any vaccine, regardless of the severity of a previous egg reaction.
This flu season, approximately 21% of the 170 million flu vaccines distributed in the United States will be egg-free, ensuring accessibility for individuals with egg allergies.
While the CDC no longer recommends extra precautions for severe egg allergies, it stresses that all vaccines should be administered in settings where allergic reactions can be promptly recognized and treated.
For those who may be hesitant due to a fear of needles, the CDC suggests that healthy individuals aged 2 through 49 years may choose to receive the Live Attenuated Influenza Vaccine (LAIV) via intranasal sprayer. Pregnant women are advised to opt for a recombinant or inactive flu vaccine.
It is important to note that individuals at the highest risk of complications from influenza include the very young, the elderly, pregnant women, those with immunocompromising conditions, and those with pre-existing lung or heart conditions. The CDC advises that people who are immunocompromised should not receive the live flu vaccine, but can opt for the inactive or recombinant version.
As flu season approaches, the CDC strongly encourages everyone to get vaccinated to protect themselves and others from the influenza virus. By following these recommendations and staying aware of circulating flu strains, individuals can guard against the potentially severe impact of influenza.
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Note: This article is based on the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s official guidance released on August 23, [Year]. It aims to provide an overview of the CDC’s recommendations and does not constitute medical advice. Readers are encouraged to consult with healthcare professionals for personalized guidance and information.