The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends annual flu shots for:

• Persons at increased risk of complications from the flu such as those age 50 and older;
• Adults and children with chronic diseases including diabetes, heart disease, kidney disease, lung disease, compromised immune systems;
• Flu shots are encouraged for young children aged 6 months to 23 months;
• Individuals age 50-65;
• Close contacts of those at high risk of flu complications including family members and medical professionals.

Impact of Influenza (the flu)

• The flu is highly contagious and a serious respiratory illness;
• The typical winter flu season affects 7 percent to 20 percent of the U.S. population; results in 114,000 hospitalizations and 36,000 deaths. The majority of deaths occur in people over age 65.