Who Should and Who Should NOT get a Flu Vaccine

Everyone 6 months of age and older should get an influenza (flu) vaccine every season with rare exception. For the 2019-20 flu season, ACIP recommends annual influenza vaccination for everyone 6 months and older with any licensed, influenza vaccine that is appropriate for the recipient’s age and health status (IIV, RIV4, or LAIV4) with no preference expressed for any one vaccine over another. Some vaccines are not recommended in some situations and for people with certain health conditions, and some people should not receive influenza vaccines at all (though this is uncommon).

On This Page

This page includes information on who should and who should not get an influenza vaccine, and who should talk to a health care professional before vaccination. Talk to your health care provider if you have any questions regarding which influenza vaccines are best for you and your family.

All persons aged 6 months of age and older are recommended for annual vaccination, with rare exception.

Vaccination is particularly important for people who are at high risk of developing serious flu complications.