People who should not receive the flu vaccine?
However, there are some people who should first consult a physician before getting a flu vaccine.
This group includes:
- People who have severe allergic sensitivity to chicken eggs. This is because the ingredients for flu shots are grown inside eggs.
- People who have a history of hypersensitivity to influenza vaccination.
- Infants less than 6 months of age, as this vaccine is not approved for them.
- People who are suffering from moderate to severe forms of fever. However, if a person is suffering from cold or mild illness without fever, he could be vaccinated.
- People suffering from Guillain-Barré syndrome (GBS), a rare condition that affects the immune system and nerves. In 1976, GBS developed in people who were vaccinated by swine flu vaccine. However, a single study has shown that one person out of one million vaccinated people may be at risk of GBS associated with the vaccine.
Next page: Who should receive flu vaccine
Written by: Healthplus24 team
Date last updated: April 30, 2012