2010 Flu Shot Recommendations

Summer is winding down, the kids are back in school. That can only mean one thing, it's time to get your flu shot.

This year, there are new recommendations on who needs the shot this year.

First off, a little bit of good news. Unlike last year, when you needed both a regular flu shot and a H1N1 "swine flu" shot to get full protection, this year you'll only need one vaccine. Manufacturers have had time to plan for this year's flu, so were able to include the swine flu shot in with the normal flu vaccine. That means you'll only have to roll up your sleeve once.

The other change is the recommendation by the American Academy of Pediatrics that all children and adolescents from 6 months old and up should get the flu shot this year. They are also making a special push to get family members and daycare providers of children less than 5 vaccinated as well. They also want high risk children, those with asthma, diabetes and neurological conditions, as well as pregnant mothers to get special encouragement to get the shot this year.

The flu bug is already in the US, which is much earlier than usual. Although it typically peaks around January, you can never tell what's going to happen year to year. So, as usual, the recommendation to get your shot early to give you and your family the most protection still holds true.