What's new about the flu vaccine this year?
It's recommended for everyone six months of age and older, according to vaccine experts at the federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention in Atlanta.
Also, flu shots are available earlier this year. Some chain pharmacies already have flu vaccine available, or you can call your provider to schedule an appointment.
The good news is that most people who have had a flu shot before will need only one dose. This year's flu vaccine will provide protection against three different strains of the flu. It includes the H1N1 virus, which was a separate vaccine last year, along with two other flu viruses.
Flu shots are especially recommended for pregnant women, children age 5 and under, people age 50 and older, people with certain chronic medical conditions, people who live in nursing homes and long-term care facilities and health care workers or others who live with or care for those at high risk for flu complications, including infants less than six months old, who are too young to be vaccinated.
While the flu shot is a good idea for most people, you should always check with your health care provider first, especially if you have a severe allergy to chicken eggs, have had a severe reaction to a flu vaccine or have developed Guillain-Barre syndrome within six weeks of getting a flu vaccine. And anyone with a moderate to severe illness with a fever should wait until they have recovered to get vaccinated.
While the flu shot is on your mind, now is a good time to schedule a checkup and review whether you or your family members are due for any other immunizations.