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Flu vaccine: who should not be vaccinated?

While authorities generally recommend that everyone receives the annual flu vaccine, there are some who should not.

These groups include:

• Babies younger than six months
• Anyone with an egg allergy: If you’re allergic to eggs (the protein albumin), you should avoid the vaccine as the vaccine virus is grown in eggs. However, in certain circumstances the vaccine may be administered under close medical supervision.
• Be wary if you’ve experienced side effects with previous vaccinations that contained components or constituents included in the current vaccine. Under certain conditions, you may receive the vaccine in two half doses.
• Rather delay your flu shot if you’re ill with a high fever or an acute illness.
• Though there are no known adverse effects on the foetus, vaccines are generally avoided in the first trimester of pregnancy. However, pandemic influenza’s such as H1N1 have been known to cause complications in pregnant women, so check with your doctor if you can still take the vaccination irrespective of the stage of your pregnancy.
• If you have a bleeding disorder, you shouldn't be vaccinated without first consulting a healthcare professional.

Generally it's best to consult your doctor or healthcare professional if you think you shouldn't be vaccinated or if you’re uncertain.


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