Seasonal influenza ("flu") vaccine recommendations for the 2012-2013 flu season

Influenza spreads readily from person to person in schools, workplaces and homes. Everyone over 6 months of age should get the annual flu vaccine to prevent sickness, unnecessary healthcare visits, hospitalizations and deaths from influenza.

Flu vaccine provides protection against three strains of influenza—the H1N1 strain that caused the illness in 2009 and later seasons, and 2 other flu viruses that caused illness last season. People should get vaccinated now, as soon as the vaccine is available from their healthcare provider or pharmacy – protection lasts throughout the flu season.

	Basic flu information Facts about flu Chinese Korean Russian Spanish Somali Vietnamese 2012-13 Season—What you should know, CDC Cold vs. Flu? How to care for someone with influenza

	H7N9 bird flu A new strain of H7N9 bird flu has been found in birds and people in China. It is different than the seasonal flu viruses. No ongoing person-to-person spread of this virus has been found at this time. The CDC has common questions and answers about this new virus. Additional information from the World Health Organization.

	Information for healthcare professionals and pharmacies Vaccination resources Surveillance, including the weekly update Reporting, testing, and clinical guidance Infection control in health care facilities Instructions for compounding oseltamivir if suspension is not available 2012-2013 ACIP Influenza Vaccine Recommendations

	Influenza resources for institutions and long term care facilities Influenza Outbreaks at Long Term Care Facilities (LTCF) (Jan. 14, 2013) Long term care facility influenza outbreak management diagram Letter to nursing and medical directors about the 2012-2013 flu season CDC seasonal influenza infection control in health care facilities Society for Healthcare Epidemiology of America (SHEA) Position Paper: Prevention of influneza in Long-Term Care Facilities Influenza-like-illness reporting form (MS Word) Influenza-like Illness in long term care facilities outbreak response FAQs Sample notification of illness signs: Visitors Residents and visitors Employee influenza immunization tracking form CDC Antiviral medication guidance Influenza factsheets Resources on norovirus or "stomache flu" - another cause of outbreaks in facilities and is sometimes confused for influenza

	For schools, child care and early childhood programs What families need to know about flu Commercial vaccinators that can do flu clinics in schools Sports Mascots Flu Campaign Home with Flu comic strip CDC's seasonal flu information for schools and childcare

	For businesses and employers CDC influenza information for businesses and employers List of providers who can schedule a flu clinic at your workplace

	Flu education materials Sports Mascots Flu Campaign Home with Flu comic strip Stop Germs, Stay Healthy! campaign How to Use a Digital Thermometer