Flu Shot Recommended for All Children ≥6 Months, Early in Season
TUESDAY, Sept. 6, 2022 (HealthDay News) -- In a policy statement issued by the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) Committee on Infectious Diseases and published online Sept. 6 in Pediatrics, recommendations are presented for the vaccination and treatment of influenza for the season 2022 to 2023.
Kristina A. Bryant, M.D., from the AAP, and colleagues reviewed the evidence and developed recommendations for the routine use of influenza vaccine and antiviral medications for the prevention and treatment of influenza in children during the 2022 to 2023 season.
The AAP recommends annual vaccination against influenza for all children without medical contraindications, starting at age 6 months. Any licensed influenza vaccine that is appropriate for age and health status can be administered, ideally early in the season; one product or formulation is not preferred over another. For children with suspected or confirmed influenza who are hospitalized, have severe or progressive disease, or have underlying conditions that increase their risk of complications of influenza, antiviral treatment with any approved, age-appropriate influenza antiviral medication is recommended, regardless of illness duration. Initiation of antiviral treatment should commence as early as possible. For symptomatic children with suspected or confirmed influenza disease who are not at high risk for influenza complications, antiviral treatment may be considered in the outpatient setting if treatment can be initiated within 48 hours of onset, and for children with a household contact younger than 6 months or with a high-risk condition predisposing them to complications of influenza.
"Getting the flu vaccine helps protect everyone and allows for less disruption caused by illness," Bryant said in a statement.
One author disclosed receiving honoraria from WebMed.
Was this page helpful?
Related Posts
Tough Choices: When It’s Time to Move From Home to Assisted Living
SUNDAY, June 26, 2022 (HealthDay News) -- While 8 in 10 Americans ages 65 and...
E-Cigarette Sales Up 46.6 Percent From January 2020 to December 2022
TUESDAY, June 27, 2023 (HealthDay News) -- Electronic cigarette (e-cigarette)...
Two Supplements Taken During Pregnancy May Lower Risk of Croup in Babies, Study Suggests
Was this page helpful?
Cranberry Supplements May Aid Memory in Older Adults
TUESDAY, May 24, 2022 (HealthDay News) -- Cranberry supplementation is...