Who Should Get A Flu Shot?


There are two different types of flu vaccines this year: the seasonal flu and the H1N1 Swine flu vaccine. The Centers for Disease Control is encouraging people to get both. Here are the recommendations from the CDC.      

H1N1 Swine Flu Vaccine

  • Pregnant women
  • Household contacts and caregivers for children younger than 6 months of age
  • Healthcare and emergency medical services personnel
  • Children 6 months through 24 years of age
  • Persons aged 25 through 64 years who have health conditions associated with higher risk of medical complications from influenza.

Where Can You Get Vaccinated For H1N1 Influenza?

Initial supplies of the vaccine are expected in mid-October and will be given to those most likely to get the virus. Check with your local healthcare provider or log onto the CDC for the most recent H1N1 vaccination information. 

Seasonal Influenza Vaccine:

  • Children aged  6 months up to their 19th birthday
  • Pregnant women
  • People 50 years of age and older
  • People of any age with certain chronic medical conditions
  • People who live in nursing homes and other long-term care facilities
  • Poeple  who live with or care for those at high risk for complications from flu, including: 
    • Health care workers 
    • Household contacts of persons at  high risk for complications from the flu
    • Household contacts and out of home caregivers of children less than 6 months of age (these children are too young to be vaccinated)

Where Can You Get Vaccinated For Seasonal Influenza?

Vaccinations are available from health providers as well as many local drug stores and supermarkets. The American Lung Association hosts www.flucliniclocator.org/, a website that allows you to search for a flu shot clinic near you. The King County Public Health clinics offer influenza vaccines by appointment. Click here to see locations.