An advisory panel for the Centers for Disease Control has recommended that everyone get flu vaccinations from now on, not just people in special higher risk groups. According to WebMD, “the CDC almost certainly will make universal flu vaccination official U.S. policy for this fall’s 2010-2011 flu season, as it consistently follows the advice of the panel of outside experts.”

Partly, the new approach is meant to bring in people who should get vaccinated each year but who don’t think they fall into the high-risk category. It’s also intended to reduce confusion among pretty much everyone as far as who’s supposed to get a shot and who isn’t. The Washington Post says that although 85% of the U.S. adult population is currently advised to get annual flu shots, only about 33% of us actually do.

“CDC Panel Calls for Flu Vaccine for All” [WebMD]

Want more consumer news? Visit our parent organization, Consumer Reports, for the latest on scams, recalls, and other consumer issues.