Pressroom

Source: Boston Globe

By: Neergaard, Lauran

08/31/2010

For the first time, U.S. health authorities are calling for nearly everyone to get vaccinated against the flu this season. A record vaccine supply is expected this year, with a new high-dose version for people over 65 years, and an all-in-one shot that protects against a different strain of the H3N2 influenza family, last year’s H1N1 swine flu, and a Type B strain. A yearly dose is now recommended for everyone except those with severe egg allergies and babies younger than six months. Last year’s flu season emphasized the fact that the flu virus is dangerous not only to the elderly and those with weak lungs or hearts, but also healthy pregnant women, 30-somethings, and five-year-olds. Although most people will need only one dose, any children under nine years will need two, a month apart, if it is their first flu shot. Individuals considered at high risk for the flu include young children, anyone over 50, those with chronic medical conditions such as asthma or heart disease, pregnant women, and healthcare workers.