Annual trivalent seasonal influenza immunization advised for all children 6 months of age and older
TUESDAY, Sept. 6 (HealthDay News) -- Annual universal influenza immunization, with special
outreach efforts made to vaccinate people in certain high-risk groups, is recommended to prevent influenza in children during the 2011 to 2012 season, according to a policy statement from the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) published online Sept. 2 in Pediatrics.
Michael T. Brady, M.D., from the AAP's Committee on Infectious Diseases, and colleagues updated the recommendations for the routine use of trivalent seasonal influenza vaccine and antiviral medications for the prevention and treatment of influenza in children during the upcoming 2011 to 2012 season.
The authors reported that the composition of the influenza vaccine for the 2011 to 2012 season remains unchanged from composition in the 2010 to 2011 season. Universal annual influenza immunization is recommended. A simplified dosing algorithm has been created for the administration of influenza vaccines to children aged 6 months to 8 years. Most children with presumed egg allergies can safely receive the vaccine in the office of the health care provider without an allergy consultation. For individuals aged 18 to 64 years, an intradermal trivalent inactivated influenza vaccine has been licensed for use during the 2011 to 2012 season. All pediatricians, nurses, and health care personnel should help in preventing influenza by using the vaccine and educating the public. Rapid identification of infections will allow prompt treatment to reduce childhood mortality and morbidity.
"Potential benefits of more widespread childhood immunization among recipients, their contacts, and the community include fewer influenza cases, fewer outpatient visits and hospitalizations for influenza infection, and a decrease in the use of antimicrobial agents, absenteeism from school, and lost parent work time," the authors write.
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