Who should not get the flu shot?
Last updated September 3, 2026.
Almost everyone can get a flu shot: the CDC's no list is children under 6 months and people with a severe allergy to a vaccine ingredient. Egg allergy alone no longer rules anyone out; the CDC says egg-allergic people may receive any otherwise-appropriate flu vaccine. Mild illness is not a reason to delay, and a past episode of Guillain-Barre syndrome within 6 weeks of a flu shot is a talk-to-your-doctor case, not an automatic no. If you truly cannot be vaccinated, the people around you getting theirs becomes your protection.
What to do
- Know the short no list: under 6 months old, or severe allergy to a vaccine ingredient.
- Do not skip it for egg allergy; CDC guidance allows any appropriate vaccine.
- Reschedule only for moderate or severe illness; a mild cold is fine.
- Mention Guillain-Barre history or past vaccine reactions to your clinician first.
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