Although anyone who wants to reduce their chances of getting the flu can get vaccinated, it is recommended by ACIP that certain people should get vaccinated each year. They are either people who are at high risk of having serious flu complications or people who live with or care for those at high risk for serious complications. During flu seasons when vaccine supplies are limited or delayed, ACIP makes recommendations regarding priority groups for vaccination.

People who should get vaccinated each year are those considered at high risk for complications from the flu including:

            ·        Children aged 6 months until their 5th birthday,

·        Pregnant women,

·        People 50 years of age and older, and

·        People of any age with certain chronic medical conditions;

·        People who live in nursing homes and other long term care facilities.

People who live with or care for those at a high flu risk should also consider being vaccinated, including those who home caregivers of children less than 6 months of age (these children are too young to be vaccinated) and healthcare workers.