Groups at High Risk re: Flu Complications

People at risk of complications from the flu

Almost everyone will benefit from a flu shot. But some people have a greater need, and they should make a special effort to get this protection each year. The following is a listing of all people who are at risk of flu-related complications. 

• 65 Years old or older
  (Even if you are in excellent health, you have a greater risk of complications if you get the flu.) 

• People who live in  a nursing home or other chronic-care facility that takes care of people (of any age) with chronic medical conditions

• Adults and children with chronic (on-going) health problems, including

  • asthma or other on-going lung problems 

  • kidney disease
  • heart disease
  • diabetes

• Adults and children with an illness (such as HIV/AIDS) or who are taking medication (such as chemotherapy) that can lower the immune system

• Children and teenagers between 6 months and 18 years old who are receiving long-term aspirin therapy 
  (You have a risk of getting Reye syndrome if you get the flu.)

• Women who will be at least 3 months pregnant during flu season

WHO perspective - on influenza

Two of the key constituents of WHO's plan for pandemics are surveillance and vaccine preparation. The WHO Influenza Surveillance Network (111 national influenza centers and four WHO Collaborating Centers) maintains surveillance. These centres are constantly isolating influenza virus from humans so that emerging strains are rapidly identified, sequenced and genetically characterized. Results are used for the annual WHO recommendations on the composition of the vaccine for the coming season. The primary objective for preventive measures is to reduce the incidence of severe illness and its severe manifestations including premature death in groups at increased risk of severe disease. Wherever possible, WHO strongly recommends the use of vaccines as a preventive measure against this potentially fatal disease. However, developing countries are generally unable to invest in vaccination campaigns to minimize the impact of the disease. If resources permit, the following should be vaccinated annually:

• Residents of institutions for the elderly or the disabled
• Elderly non-institutionalized individuals with one or more of the following chronic conditions: chronic cardiovascular, pulmonary, metabolic or renal disease, or who are immuno-compromised
• Other individuals (adults and children over 6 months) suffering from chronic diseases of the heart, lung (e.g. asthma) or kidneys, metabolic disorders, hemoglobinopathies or immuno-suppression.
• Individuals who are above a nationally defined age limit, irrespective of their medical risk status (most countries define the limit as over 65 years)
• Other groups as defined nationally.

In addition, family, friends, care-givers, home health workers and others in regular contact with individuals at risk may be vaccinated to prevent them passing on the disease. All persons wishing to protect themselves against influenza should be vaccinated.

Only a single dose of inactivated vaccine should be offered annually (except for children less than 9 years of age who have not been immunized previously - they should receive two doses at an interval of at least four weeks the first time they are vaccinated).