The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends children aged 6 months and older get flu shots now, ahead of federal guidance, aiming to curb the high toll of influenza among young populations this season.
The American Academy of Pediatrics is urging that children aged 6 months and older get a flu vaccine this season, moving ahead of federal guidance and putting fresh pressure on families to act before winter viruses begin to spread. In recommendations published by AAP News, the group said any licensed flu vaccine suitable for a child’s age and health status is acceptable and that vaccination can begin as soon as possible.
The advice lands after a season in which nearly 200 children died from influenza, according to the academy, and fewer than half of children aged 6 months to 17 years were vaccinated. Dr Kristina Bryant, a member of the academy’s infectious diseases committee, said in a statement that flu vaccines have been “thoroughly studied” and are safe for children, adding that they help prevent illness, doctor visits, hospital admissions and deaths.
The academy’s stance also highlights a shift in the public-health landscape. The Centres for Disease Control and Prevention last year removed its long-standing blanket recommendation for children from its vaccination schedule and instead framed the shot in terms of certain higher-risk groups and shared decision-making with clinicians. The CDC has not yet issued new flu guidance for the coming season, while its current vaccine pages still say annual flu vaccination is recommended for everyone aged 6 months and older.
The academy says children should be vaccinated as soon as the shot is available, ideally by the end of October, when protection can cover the period of greatest risk. It also encourages pregnant and breastfeeding mothers to be vaccinated to help protect themselves and their babies. CDC materials say young children, especially those under 2, face a higher risk of serious complications, while recent agency data found flu vaccination cut the risk of death in children and teenagers by 80% and helped prevent thousands of hospital admissions and deaths last season.
Disclaimer: This content is for informational purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical judgment, advice, diagnosis, or treatment.
