High-risk groups should get a flu shot every year. Here’s why.

Up to 15% of Europeans catch the flu each winter (1). Certain people are at greater risk of severe disease or complications, including the elderly, children under 59 months, pregnant women and people with chronic medical or immunosuppressive conditions (2). Older adults, for instance, more frequently have underlying diseases that reduce their resistance to infection (3), and their immune response may also be less effective (3).

Vaccination is the most effective form of flu prevention (4) and especially important if you are at high risk of severe disease or complications (2). The following infographic explains why getting a flu shot is vital – and why it’s important that you get one every year:

High-risk groups should get a flu shot every year