Are flu shots safe?

Who should get the flu shot?

You should get a flu shot if you want to reduce your chance of getting the flu. Anyone older than 6 months can get a flu shot.

It is even more important to get a flu shot if you are at high risk for complications. This includes:

* People who are older than 50. People age 65 or older are at highest risk.
* People who have long-term (chronic) diseases, such as heart disease, diabetes, kidney failure, and lung disease, including asthma.
* People who live in nursing homes or long-term care centers.
* People who have weak immune systems.
* All children from 6 months to 5 years of age.
* Children who are 6 months to 18 years old who use long-term aspirin treatment.

People who could spread the flu to people at high risk should also get the shot. This includes:

* Anyone who lives with or cares for a child who is 6 months or younger. (Children older than 6 months should be vaccinated.)
* Anyone in close contact with a person who is at high risk of complications. This includes family, friends, and caregivers.
* Health care workers.

Who should not get the flu shot?

Some people should not get the flu shot without talking to their doctor first. This includes:

* People who are allergic to eggs.
* People who had a bad reaction to the flu shot in the past.
* People who had a rare nerve disorder called Guillain-Barré syndrome after a previous shot.
* Children who are younger than 6 months of age.
* People who are already sick. If you are ill and have a fever, wait until you are better to get the shot.

People who can't get the flu shot but are at risk from the flu may be able to take an antiviral medicine instead. For more information, see:

Should I take antiviral medicine for the flu?

What are the benefits of the flu shot?

* It may keep you from getting the flu. This can save you time (fewer sick days) and money (fewer doctor visits, medicines, and hospital costs).
* If you do get the flu, it can make the symptoms milder and reduce the risk of serious complications.
* It can help limit the spread of the flu to others.

What are the risks of the flu shot?

It may cause mild problems, such as soreness, redness, and swelling on the arm where you got the shot. You might also have a fever and muscle aches for a day or two after you get the shot.

The risk of a serious problem from the flu shot (such as a severe allergic reaction) is very small.

The viruses in a flu shot are killed, so you cannot get the flu from a flu shot.

From WebMD: http://www.webmd.com/cold-and-flu/should-i-get-a-flu-shot