At what age is the flu vaccine recommended?

Influenza Vaccination Recommendations by Age

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends annual influenza vaccination for all persons aged 6 months and older who wish to reduce their risk of influenza infection and its complications. 1

Primary Target Groups for Vaccination

The Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) has established clear priority groups for influenza vaccination:

1. Persons at increased risk for complications:

   • Adults aged ≥65 years
   • Residents of nursing homes and chronic-care facilities
   • Persons with chronic medical conditions (pulmonary, cardiovascular, metabolic disorders, etc.)
   • Children on long-term aspirin therapy
   • Pregnant women in their second or third trimester during flu season 2

2. Persons aged 50-64 years:

   • This age group was added to the primary target group starting in 2000-2001 2
   • Approximately 24-32% of people in this age group have chronic medical conditions 2
   • Age-based strategies have proven more successful than patient-selection strategies based on medical conditions 2

3. Young children:

   • Children aged 6-23 months are at substantially increased risk for influenza-related hospitalizations 2
   • Vaccination is recommended for all children in this age group

4. Persons who can transmit influenza to high-risk individuals:

   • Healthcare workers
   • Household contacts of high-risk persons
   • Caregivers of children aged <6 months (who cannot receive vaccination) 2

Evolution of Age-Based Recommendations

The age recommendations for influenza vaccination have evolved over time:

• In 2000, the age for universal vaccination was lowered from 65 to 50 years 2
• By 2004, recommendations expanded to include children aged 6-23 months due to their high risk of hospitalization 2
• Current guidelines recommend vaccination for everyone aged ≥6 months 1

Benefits of Vaccination Across Age Groups

• For older adults and those with chronic conditions: Reduced risk of hospitalization and death
• For children: Decreased risk of severe illness and hospitalization
• For healthy adults: Reduced illness, decreased work absenteeism, and reduced need for medical visits and medications 2
• Community protection: Vaccination helps reduce transmission to vulnerable populations 1

Important Considerations

• The influenza vaccine cannot be given to infants under 6 months of age, making it critical to vaccinate their household contacts and caregivers 2
• Pregnant women can safely receive the vaccine in any trimester, with greatest benefit when they will be in second or third trimester during flu season 2
• Persons aged 51-60 years may have a higher incidence of severe disease, reinforcing the importance of vaccination in this age group 3

Timing of Vaccination

• Optimal timing is during October and November, with priority given to those at highest risk for complications and healthcare workers 2
• Vaccination efforts should continue into December and later, as long as vaccine is available 2

By following these age-based recommendations for influenza vaccination, healthcare providers can help reduce the significant morbidity and mortality associated with seasonal influenza, which affects approximately 10% of the world's population annually 4.