Why You Need a Flu Shot

Dr. Oz here with your smart health tip for today. Thinking of skipping your flu shot this year? I won't, and here's why. Just about everyone needs a flu shot, and this is especially important for folks at high risk. That includes, pregnant women, young kids, older people, and anyone with a compromised immune system. Even if you had a flu shot last year, you need one this year, because the vaccine is reformulated every year to protect against the latest strains of the flu.

If you hate needles, ask your doctor for a nasal spray flu vaccine instead. It's a flu for healthy people between the ages of 2 and 49. Now there are some people who should not have a flu vaccine. Flu shots are off limits for infants younger than six months, and talk to your doctor if you have a history of Guillian-Barre syndrome, or if you've had a severe reaction to a flu shot before.

Also, ask about the shot if you're allergic to eggs, because the vaccine may contain egg protein, but the rest of us should be vaccinated. To stay well this flu season, stay tuned, and watch all of our smart health tips right here.