Influenza
The Influenza Prevention Program
The Respiratory Health Association of Metropolitan Chicago is conducting its tenth annual campaign to immunize Chicagoland residents seeking to protect themselves against the seasonal flu. The annual flu immunization program is offered in conjunction with the Chicago Department of Public Health and the Cook County Department of Public Health.
It's not too late to protect yourself and your family against the flu. For more information contact Doreen Minnice at (312) 628-0201 or dminnice@lungchicago.org.
When to Get Vaccinated
October and November is the best time for people to receive vaccinations, but you can still get vaccinated in December and later. Flu season can begin as early as October and last as late as May.
Who Should Get Vaccinated?
In general, anyone who wants to reduce their chances of getting the flu can get vaccinated. However, 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:
1. People at high risk for complications from the flu, including:
o Children aged 6 months until their 5th birthday,
o Pregnant women,
o People 50 years of age and older, and
o People of any age with certain chronic medical conditions;
o People who live in nursing homes and other long term care facilities.
2. People who live with or care for those at high risk for complications from flu, including:
o Household contacts of persons at high risk for complications from the flu (see above)
o Household contacts and out of home caregivers of children less than 6 months of age (these children are too young to be vaccinated)
o Healthcare workers.
Types of Flu Vaccines Available to the Public
There are two types of vaccines:
The "flu shot"—is an inactivated vaccine (containing killed virus) that is given with a needle, usually in the arm. The flu shot is approved for use in people older than 6 months, including healthy people and people with chronic medical conditions. For more information about the vaccine risks and benefits click here for English or Spanish.
The nasal-spray flu vaccine—a vaccine made with live, weakened flu viruses that do not cause the flu (sometimes called LAIV for “Live Attenuated Influenza Vaccine”). LAIV (FluMist®) is approved for use in healthy people 2-49 years of age* who are not pregnant. For more information about the vaccine risks and benefits click here for English or Spanish.
Other Useful RHAMC Materials
What You Need to Know About....
Flu (Influenza)
A Cold vs. The Flu (en Español)