CDC: Infants Need Flu Shots
April 30, 2004 -- More shots for baby: U.S. health officials now say children from 6 to 23 months old should get flu shots. Their caregivers should also get flu shots.
The advisory comes from a panel of experts that advises both the CDC and the Secretary of Health and Human Services.
Studies have shown that children younger than age 2 are at high risk for flu-related complications, such as pneumonia and death. Preliminary reports of pediatric flu deaths during the 2003-2004 flu season show that of 143 deaths, 58 involved children under age 2, says the CDC.
Flu vaccines are not yet available for children under 6 months old.
"This is an important step in protecting potentially vulnerable people from the health risks posed by influenza," says CDC Director Julie Gerberding, MD, MPH, in a news release. "As last year's experience reminds us, many children suffer serious harm from influenza and would benefit from vaccination. Influenza vaccination is a simple and effective step parents can take to help protect their children from a potentially life-threatening disease."
The CDC recommends that:
The flu vaccine is the best method for preventing influenza and its severe complications, says the CDC.
Adults at high risk should also get flu shots: People over age 65, nursing home residents, people with chronic health problems like asthma or heart problems, pregnant women, and people in close contact with high risk persons.
CDC: Infants Need Flu Shots
April 30, 2004 -- More shots for baby: U.S. health officials now say children from 6 to 23 months old should get flu shots. Their caregivers should also get flu shots.
The advisory comes from a panel of experts that advises both the CDC and the Secretary of Health and Human Services.
Studies have shown that children younger than age 2 are at high risk for flu-related complications, such as pneumonia and death. Preliminary reports of pediatric flu deaths during the 2003-2004 flu season show that of 143 deaths, 58 involved children under age 2, says the CDC.
Flu vaccines are not yet available for children under 6 months old.
"This is an important step in protecting potentially vulnerable people from the health risks posed by influenza," says CDC Director Julie Gerberding, MD, MPH, in a news release. "As last year's experience reminds us, many children suffer serious harm from influenza and would benefit from vaccination. Influenza vaccination is a simple and effective step parents can take to help protect their children from a potentially life-threatening disease."
The CDC recommends that:
- Children under 9 years old not previously vaccinated should get two flu shots given more than one month apart. If possible, the second dose should be administered before December.
Previously vaccinated children should get one annual flu shot.
People in close contact with children under 2 should get an annual flu shot.
The flu vaccine is the best method for preventing influenza and its severe complications, says the CDC.
Adults at high risk should also get flu shots: People over age 65, nursing home residents, people with chronic health problems like asthma or heart problems, pregnant women, and people in close contact with high risk persons.
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