Flu Shots

CMC recommends an annual flu vaccination to all patients over the age of 50 and to adults and children with a chronic medical condition, including diabetes.

The American Heart Association recommends that people suffering from cardiovascular disease be vaccinated against the flu, because their risk of dying from influenza (“the flu”) is higher than that of any other patient group.  During the flu season, influenza vaccination also reduces the risk of death and ischaemic events in patients suffering from myocardial infarction.

Although research has shown that people with cardiovascular disease significantly reduce their chances of dying by getting a flu shot, only 30% of the group in question was vaccinated in 2006.

People who have diabetes have a higher risk of developing complications or dying from the flu than people who are healthy;  however, only about 50% of the group in question was vaccinated.

Patients who are severely allergic to eggs, have had an allergic reaction to a past flu vaccination, or have a history of Guillain-Barré syndrome should not get a flu shot. 

Vaccination administered in October through to January helps to protect patients from the flu.  Please note that patients ill with fever should postpone their flu shot until after the fever is gone.