In its Recommendations on Prevention and Control of Influenza for 2008--2009 , the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) recommends annual influenza vaccination for:

• all persons, including school-aged children, who want to reduce the risk of becoming ill with influenza or of transmitting influenza to others
• all children aged 6 months through 18 years of age;
• all persons aged 50 years or older;
• children and adolescents (aged 6 months - 18 years) receiving long-term aspirin therapy who therefore might be at risk for experiencing Reye syndrome after influenza virus infection;
• women who will be pregnant during the influenza season;
• adults and children who have chronic pulmonary (including asthma), cardiovascular (except hypertension), renal, hepatic, hematological or metabolic disorders (including diabetes mellitus);
• adults and children who have immunosuppression (including immunosuppression caused by medications or by human immunodeficiency virus (HIV);
• adults and children who have any condition (e.g., cognitive dysfunction, spinal cord injuries, seizure disorders, or other neuromuscular disorders) that can compromise respiratory function or the handling of respiratory secretions of that can increase the risk for aspiration;
• residents of nursing homes and other chronic-care facilities;
• health-care personnel;
• healthy household contacts (including children) and caregivers of children aged less than 5 years and adults aged 50 or more years, with particular emphasis on vaccinating contacts of children aged less than 6 months; and
• healthy household contacts (including children) and caregivers of persons with medical conditions that put them at  higher risk for severe complications from influenza.

Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) Recommendations for the Prevention and Control of Influenza (July 17, 2008)

If You Have Diabetes, Getting a Flu Shot is a Family Affair

• People who have diabetes have a higher chance of getting a bad infection from the flu.  When blood sugar levels are above normal, the body cannot fight infection well.  People who have diabetes and their family members should get a flu shot every year. 

Immunize Your Little Michigander

• All children 6 months through 18 years of age should receive flu vaccine every year, during flu season.  Ask your doctor or nurse about getting your children vaccinated against influenza in the fall.