Influenza High Risk Groups

Every year, hundreds of New Yorkers die from flu-related complications. Those most at risk include:

• Pregnant women
• Children younger than 5 years (especially those under age 2)
• Adults age 50 and over (especially age 65 and over)
• People with certain health conditions, including:
  • Diabetes
  • Lung disease
  • Asthma
  • Heart disease
  • Sickle cell anemia
  • Kidney or liver disease
  • Metabolic disorders
  • Weakened immune system (such as from HIV or cancer treatment)
  • Disorders that may cause breathing problems, such as seizure, nerve and muscle disorders
• People who are very overweight (a Body Mass Index of 40 and over)
• Children and adolescents (age 6 months to 18 years) who are receiving long-term aspirin therapy
• People living in nursing homes or other care facilities
• American Indians and Alaskan Natives

Those in close contact with people at risk of complications (like health care workers, and people who care for infants too young to be vaccinated) also need the vaccine.