Flu Vaccine

by Ren Chats
(Denmark)

On September 10, 2012, the American Academy of Pediatrics published its recommendations for use of seasonal influenza vaccine to prevent Flu in children in the upcoming flu season 2012-13.

It states that all children of 6 months age and above should receive the annual trivalent seasonal influenza immunization, irrespective of their gestational age at birth.

Special efforts needed

It also calls for special efforts to vaccinate all individuals who fall in any of the following groups.

• Children suffering from high-risk medical conditions like asthma, diabetes, compromised immune system, or nervous system ailment, which have the potential to increase the risk of complications associated with episodes of Flu.

• All adults in the environment of children that are at increased risk of developing complications attributable to influenza attack: Parents, day-care centers’ personnel, household and school contacts and personnel involved in child health care.

• Young children succumb easily to the disease: All children less than 5 years of age, especially infants aged less than 6 months.

• Women: Pregnant women, women who are planning to have a baby or have just had a baby; and all mothers who are breastfeeding their infant.

Doses recommended for optimal immunity

2 Doses at 1 month interval:

• Child has never before received influenza vaccine.

• The parents are unsure of child’s vaccination status against influenza.

• Child has received only one dose of Influenza vaccine in prior years.

Single dose for the present season:

• Child has definitely received two doses of influenza vaccine in the prior season.

• Clear documentation of having received two doses in any previous years and one dose in last season.

New information:
A study concludes that Trivalent Influenza Vaccination safe even in children with severe egg allergy.

Click here for more information on Flu and the vaccines available.

Reference:

Recommendations for Prevention and Control of Influenza in Children, 2012-2013;Committee on Infectious Diseases: Pediatrics; originally published online September 10, 2012