Medical experts highlight the importance of individualised assessment before administering flu shots, following the latest CDC recommendations for the upcoming season amid ongoing safety considerations.
Influenza vaccination remains one of the safest and most effective ways to reduce the risk of flu and its complications, but not everyone should be given a dose immediately. Dr Mustafa Mohamady, a specialist in sera and vaccines, said people should first be checked against the latest guidance from the US Centres for Disease Control and Prevention and the Advisory Committee on Immunisation Practices for the 2025-26 season.
The CDC says children younger than six months should not receive an influenza vaccine because it is not approved for that age group. It also warns that anyone who has had a severe allergic reaction to a previous flu shot or to a component of a vaccine should be assessed carefully before vaccination. For egg-based vaccines, a history of severe egg allergy is treated as a contraindication in the CDC guidance.
Mohamady added that Guillain-Barré syndrome is an important warning sign if it occurred within six weeks of a prior flu vaccination. The CDC describes this as a precaution rather than an absolute ban, meaning clinicians should weigh the possible benefits and risks before giving another dose. Moderate or severe acute illness, with or without fever, is another reason to delay vaccination until the person has recovered.
By contrast, weakened immunity is not a reason to skip the flu shot, whether it stems from illness or treatment, although the type of vaccine may need to be chosen carefully. The same applies to chronic conditions such as diabetes, heart disease, lung disease, liver disease and kidney disease, which place people in a higher-priority group for vaccination rather than excluding them from it. Pregnancy is also not a barrier, and the CDC recommends flu vaccination at any stage of pregnancy. Allergy to eggs is likewise not, by itself, a reason to avoid vaccination, provided the appropriate vaccine is selected for the person’s age and health status.
Disclaimer: This content is for informational purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical judgment, advice, diagnosis, or treatment.
