Who should immunize against the flu?
The flu causes complications that may develop into a more serious disease or become dangerous to some groups, such as elderly people and those with chronic medical conditions. For these reasons, the CDC recommends that the following groups immunize themselves each year: • persons 50 years old or older (Vaccine effectiveness may be lower for elderly persons, but it can significantly reduce their chances of serious illness or death from influenza.) • residents of nursing homes and any other chronic care facilities that house persons of any age who have chronic medical conditions • adults and children who have chronic disorders of the pulmonary or cardiovascular systems, including children with asthma • adults and children who have the following medical conditions: • chronic metabolic diseases (i.e., diabetes) • renal dysfunction • immunosuppression • hemoglobinopathies • children and teenagers (ages 6 months to 18 years) receiving long-term aspirin therapy • women who will be in their se
