Influenza Vaccination and Guidelines for Safe Prescribing

Course overview

Influenza can trigger a cascade of immune responses that result in systemic inflammation. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends that everyone six months of age and older receive an annual influenza vaccination. The best way to protect against influenza includes the recognition of symptoms and the prevention of virus spread. Individuals considered at increased risk for complications from influenza include young children, particularly those under the age of five, older adults, pregnant women, and people with certain chronic medical conditions. A summary of the latest information on the epidemiology of influenza, and the signs, symptoms, complications, and treatment through vaccines and antivirals is discussed. Clinicians must be prepared to recognize an adverse event due to vaccination in all age groups in order to intervene appropriately and to prevent further injury.