NCLEX RN Practice Question

The nurse should explain that influenza viruses change from year to year and immunity from the vaccine declines over time. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) therefore recommend that every person aged 6 months or older receive an age-appropriate influenza vaccine every influenza season, ideally in September or October before widespread community transmission begins. Annual vaccination helps protect the recipient and reduces the spread of influenza to vulnerable populations such as infants, older adults, pregnant clients, and people who are immunocompromised. Other schedules (once in adulthood, every 10 years, or only when traveling) are insufficient to maintain immunity or align with current evidence-based guidelines.