Individuals

Information for individuals about seasonal influenza

• During the 2012-13 flu season, influenza vaccine is recommended for everyone over 6 months of age. The Flu Vaccine Finder will return for the 2012-13 flu season.
• This year’s seasonal flu vaccine, available in injectable and nasal spray formulas, is widely available at pharmacies, doctors’ offices and local health departments across the state. The 2012-13 influenza vaccine will not protect against H3N2v but is still recommended to help protect against the other circulating influenza strains.
• The vaccine includes protection against the H1N1 pandemic strain of the virus as well as influenza B and influenza A seasonal H3N2. For most people, that means only one flu immunization is necessary.
• As usual, children under 9 years of age who haven’t received at least 2 influenza vaccinations since July 2010 (seasonal or monovalent 2009 H1N1) will need two doses of flu vaccine.

Special Information about H3N2v for Individuals

Human infections with influenza A H3N2 variant viruses have been reported in multiple states during 2012. This variant virus most often produces mild illness with symptoms similar to seasonal influenza. Ninety-three percent of the cases were among children and all cases had direct or indirect contact with swine. Swine contact occurred most often at agricultural fairs.

According to CDC, children younger than 5 years, people 65 years and older, pregnant women, and people with certain chronic medical conditions (like asthma, diabetes, heart disease, weakened immune systems, and neurological or neurodevelopmental conditions) are at high risk from serious complications if they get influenza. These people should consider avoiding exposure to pigs and swine barns this summer, especially if sick pigs have been identified.

Parents

Pregnant Women

Caregivers

Seniors

People With Health Conditions