Factors a physician will use to determine your suitability to receive a particular vaccine include age, health and any relevant allergies (including an allergy to eggs, which can be used to grow the virus in the vaccine.

Who Should NOT Be Vaccinated?

While most people who contract the flu will have a mild form of the illness and be able to recover at home without the need for medical attention or antiviral drugs, some people are more likely to get flu complications, including pneumonia, bronchitis, sinus infections and ear infections, which can range in severity. However, there are also people who should not get a flu vaccine, either in injectable form or as a nasal spray. Among them:

Flu Shot

The following people should not get a flu shot, or should discuss the potential consequences of a flu vaccine with their doctors  before getting the flu shot:

●     Children younger than six months old

●     People with severe, life-threatening allergies to the vaccine or any ingredient in the vaccine, including gelatin, antibiotics, eggs or other ingredients.

●     People who have had Guillain-Barre Syndrome (a severe, paralyzing illness, called GBS) should speak with their doctors about their GBS history before getting a flu shot.

●     If you are already ill, should speak with your doctor about your symptoms before getting a flu vaccine.