Vaccination guidelines against the flu virus have changed for some individuals, announced the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
The recommendation on when to get the flu vaccine remains the same – September and October are still considered the ideal months. Getting vaccinated in August is no longer recommended unless the person is in the third trimester of pregnancy or for children who will need two doses of the vaccine or those who, for some reason, cannot be vaccinated at the end of fall.
The current guidelines require annual flu vaccination for everyone aged 6 months and older. The effectiveness of the vaccines each year depends on how well they match the circulating virus, said the CDC. Preliminary estimates show that people who were vaccinated against the flu last season were 40% to 70% less likely to be hospitalized due to flu-related illnesses.
Currently, flu activity in the United States is at minimal levels.
Changes for People with Egg Allergy
There is a change in flu vaccine recommendations this year for people with egg allergies.
Most flu vaccines are produced from eggs and end up containing small amounts of egg proteins. In the past, flu vaccines were recommended for people with egg allergies, provided there were “additional safety measures,” especially for those who might have a severe reaction.
These extra measures are no longer necessary, according to the CDC. Now, people with egg allergies can receive any flu vaccine – egg-based or not – appropriate for their age and health status, without the need for special safety precautions beyond those that would be taken for any vaccine. People with questions about the vaccine should consult their doctor.
Source: CNN