Clinical Guidance for Influenza Vaccination

What to know

  • This page provides links to influenza vaccination guidance and recommendations for health care professionals.
  • A strong recommendation from a health care professional can be a critical factor in whether their patients get an influenza vaccine.
Learn more about influenza vaccination guidance and recommendations for health care professionals.

Information for the 2024-25 Influenza Season

ACIP

Prevention and Control of Seasonal Influenza with Vaccines: Recommendations of the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices — United States, 2024–25 Influenza Season

Talking About Influenza Vaccine Recommendation

As a health care professional, your strong recommendation is a critical factor in whether your patients get an influenza vaccine. Most adults believe vaccines are important, but they need a reminder from you to get vaccinated. After making your recommendation, follow up with each patient during subsequent appointments to ensure they received an influenza vaccine. If a patient still is unvaccinated, repeat the recommendation and try to identify and address any questions or concerns.

Considerations for Influenza Vaccination during Pregnancy and Breastfeeding

Influenza during pregnancy is more likely to cause illness that results in hospitalization. Influenza during pregnancy also may be harmful for the developing baby. A common influenza sign can be fever, which has been associated in some studies with neural tube defects and other adverse outcomes for a developing baby. Getting vaccinated while pregnant also can help protect a baby from influenza after birth (because antibodies are passed from the pregnant mother to the developing baby during pregnancy). When you get a flu shot while pregnant or breastfeeding, your body develops antibodies against flu that are shared with your baby through breast milk.

Clinical Guidance for Seasonal Influenza Vaccine Safety

CDC and FDA monitor the safety of all vaccines licensed in the United States, including seasonal influenza vaccines. Studies support the safety of annual influenza vaccination in children and adults.