Who Should Get a Flu Shot?
Everyone six months of age or older should get the flu vaccine every year, according to the CDC. It’s especially important for people who are at high risk of serious complications from the flu to get vaccinated. This includes children under five, adults over 65, people with chronic medical conditions like asthma, and those who have weakened immune systems. The CDC says there are a few rare exceptions for when someone should not get the flu shot. Children younger than six months are too young to get a flu shot. Additionally, people with severe, life-threatening allergies to any ingredient in the vaccine shouldn’t get it. This includes allergies to gelatin, antibiotics, and other ingredients. If you have any concerns about the flu shot, talk to your doctor or health care provider, and they’ll help you decide whether vaccination is right for you.
Should Pregnant Women Get the Flu Shot?
Flu can be very dangerous for pregnant women. If you’re pregnant, it is more likely to cause severe illness that may lead to hospitalization. Flu can also be harmful for a pregnant woman’s developing baby. Fevers can lead to neural defects and other problems. The CDC recommends flu shots for pregnant women during any trimester of their pregnancy. The shot has been given to millions of pregnant women over many years with a good safety record. It provides protection from the flu for expectant mothers and their babies and even helps protect newborns from flu for the first several months after their birth, when they’re too young to be vaccinated.
Flu Shots Required for Holy Cross Health Employees
To demonstrate just how important preventing flu is to us, all Holy Cross Health employees and volunteers are required to get an annual flu vaccination. In addition, our staff are trained in how to avoid transmitting the flu, including following best practices for hand washing.
Where Can You Get the Flu Shot?
Flu vaccines are widely available in the community and can often be found at grocery stores, pharmacies, and your doctor’s office. If you do not have a primary care provider, Holy Cross Health operates Holy Cross Health Partners in Kensington, a primary care practice for adults, and four health centers that provide health care services, including vaccinations, to patients on Medicaid through Maryland Physician's Care.
Holy Cross Health presents the information in this blog as a resource for our community. It is not intended to replace professional medical advice or to endorse any particular entity or service. Personal health problems should be brought to the attention of the appropriate health professionals.