AAP updates flu vaccination recommendations

ELK GROVE VILLAGE, Ill. — The American Academy of Pediatrics on Tuesday recommended annual trivalent seasonal influenza immunization for all individuals ages 6 months and older, including all children, adolescents and young adults.

The updated policy statement, “Recommendations for Prevention and Control of Influenza in Children, 2012-2013” published in the October 2012 issue of Pediatrics, includes guidance on vaccine formulations, dosing and administration, as well as current treatment guidance for antiviral medications.

According to the AAP, special efforts should be made to vaccinate people in the following groups: children who have chronic medical conditions that increase their risk of influenza complications, such as asthma, diabetes and immunosuppression or neurologic disorders; family members and others who are in contact with children with high-risk conditions and children under age 5 (especially children under 6 months of age); all healthcare personnel and women who are pregnant, are considering pregnancy, have just delivered or are breast-feeding during influenza season.

Interested in this topic? Sign up for our weekly Collaborative Care e-newsletter.