NCLEX · Immunizations and Health Screening

Which vaccine is recommended annually for all adults?

Correct answer

Influenza (flu) vaccine — recommended annually for everyone 6 months and older, because the flu virus changes each year and immunity from the prior year's vaccine declines

  1. A MMR
  2. B Influenza (flu) vaccine — recommended annually for everyone 6 months and older, because the flu virus changes each year and immunity from the prior year's vaccine declines
  3. C Hepatitis B (once only)
  4. D Varicella (once in adulthood if not immune)

Why this is the answer

Annual influenza vaccination: Recommended for: EVERYONE 6 months and older, annually; SPECIAL PRIORITY GROUPS (higher risk of severe flu): Adults 65+; Pregnant women; People with chronic conditions (heart disease, diabetes, asthma, kidney disease, immunocompromise); Healthcare workers (to protect themselves and patients).

Why annual: Influenza virus mutates rapidly; each year's vaccine is updated to match predicted circulating strains; immunity from prior year's vaccine declines; the vaccine is reformulated annually.

Timing: Ideally September-October before flu season peaks (usually December-February); but vaccine any time during flu season is better than none.

Contraindications: Previous severe allergic reaction to the vaccine or any of its components. Egg allergy: most people with egg allergy can receive most flu vaccines; consult an allergist for history of anaphylaxis to egg.

Source: NCLEX-PN, Annual Flu Vaccine Recommendation

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About this topic: Immunizations and Health Screening

Immunizations and health screening questions cover the childhood and adult vaccine schedules, contraindications, and the recommended screenings — blood pressure, cholesterol, cancer screening — by age and risk. This is one of 14 PN: Health Promotion and Maintenance questions on immunizations and health screening, each with a full explanation on a single study page.

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