American Academy of Pediatrics updates flu vaccination recommendations

WASHINGTON The American Academy of Pediatrics released a policy statement regarding its recommendations for routine use of trivalent seasonal influenza vaccines and antiviral medications for the prevention and treatment of influenza in children.

For the 2010-2011 flu season, the organization recommended that all children 6 months of age and older should receive a seasonal influenza vaccine each year, especially those at high risk of influenza complications (e.g., children with such chronic medical conditions as asthma, diabetes, morbid obesity, immunosuppression or neurologic disorders). AAP also added that household contacts and out-of-home care providers of children with high-risk conditions and healthy children younger than 5 years, as well as healthcare personnel and pregnant women, also should receive a season flu shot.

Click here for the full statement.