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Influenza vaccination may not prevent the disease in 100 percent of individuals. Persons should consult their healthcare provider to determine if they have a condition that precludes them from receiving the vaccine. All vaccines have side effects. The most common side effects of influenza vaccines include local reactions and mild general symptoms.

About Influenza

Influenza is a contagious disease of the respiratory tract (nose, throat, and lungs) that can lead to serious complications, such as pneumonia and dehydration, and worsening of chronic medical conditions, such as congestive heart failure, asthma, or diabetes. Influenza can easily spread from person to person.

In fact, adults can spread the influenza virus beginning one day before they feel sick and continue to be contagious for five days after symptoms start.

Many people confuse influenza with the common cold, but, in fact, it is potentially a much more serious illness. An average of 36,000 US residents die from influenza and its complications annually. In addition, each year more than 200,000 people are hospitalized in the US as a result of influenza and its complications.

Influenza vaccination is recommended for people, including school-age children, who want to reduce the likelihood of becoming ill with influenza or transmitting influenza to others should they become infected.

Getting vaccinated against influenza helps protect those around you including those who may be at higher risk for complications. The elderly and young children are just two of the groups considered at increased risk for complications from influenza.

Influenza vaccination can be given to anyone over the age of six months (influenza vaccines are not currently approved for children
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