Who should be getting the shots?
The seasonal flu and the swine flu vaccines have different target groups. Seasonal flu vaccines are recommended for anyone older than 65, children between 6 months and 18 years old and anyone with chronic medical conditions (such as cancer and asthma). These populations are more likely to suffer complications caused by the flu. For swine flu, those at higher risk include pregnant women, persons with chronic health conditions, health care workers, people in close contact with infants, and people 6 months to 24 years old. After these groups, the vaccine will be made available to the general public. Unlike seasonal flu, people older than 65 are actually less likely to contract the swine-flu virus. About one-third of older adults already have antibodies against the virus. They should get the swine flu vaccine only after higher-risk groups have been vaccinated.
