Which vaccine is recommended annually for all individuals over the age of 6 months?

The influenza vaccine is recommended annually for all individuals over the age of 6 months due to the nature of the influenza virus, which changes from year to year. This frequent mutation necessitates an updated vaccine each flu season to effectively combat the most prevalent strains. The CDC and other health organizations advocate for universal vaccination across various age groups because influenza can lead to severe illness, hospitalizations, and even death, particularly in vulnerable populations such as the elderly, young children, and those with certain health conditions.

In contrast, the other vaccines listed target specific diseases but do not require annual revaccination. The measles vaccine is part of the MMR (measles, mumps, rubella) vaccine schedule which is typically administered in childhood with no need for annual boosts. The tetanus vaccine is required every ten years after the initial series but does not need to be given annually. The hepatitis B vaccine is usually given in a series of doses during infancy, with no annual booster required. This context explains the annual recommendation for influenza vaccination.