Prevention through Vaccination Vaccination is the most often the
best way to prevent influenza. An appropriately vaccinated
community suffers much less during flu season. Our national
vaccination campaign targets those at high risk of either doing
poorly with the flu, getting the flu or spreading the flu.
Individuals over 50, those with underlying chronic illnesses,
and women pregnant during the flu season are urged to get a flu
vaccine. In the pediatric world, the following groups are
targeted for immunization: - Children between six months and 23
months - Children over six months with underlying heart or lung
disease, including asthma - Children with metabolic, kidney, and
certain blood diseases and the immunosuppressed - Any child on
chronic aspirin therapy Others who should optimally receive the
vaccine include household contacts of high-risk individuals, day
care and medical personnel, and those working or living in long-
term care residential facilities. For children older than five,
a second, newer vacc