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December 02, 2002

U.S. IMMUNIZATION NEWS

"Flu Shots: Not Just for Grandpa Anymore?"

USA Today (www.usatoday.com) (12/02/02) P. 8D; Manning, Anita

The American Academy of Pediatrics is issuing a policy statement today that encourages flu shots for all healthy children from six months of age up to two years old.  The Academy is also encouraging healthy family members and caregivers to get immunized, and it recommends flu shots for children six months and older who have medical conditions that put them at high risk for pneumonia or other flu complications.  "Encouragement" as opposed to a full recommendation is a deliberate distinction in the directive, according to Margaret B. Rennels, a member of the federal Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices and of the academy's committee on infectious diseases.  She said that the approaching holidays and ensuing scheduling difficulties may make it difficult for physicians to meet the demand for flu shots, but she stressed that the shots are important.  "The hospitalization rates associated with influenza infection in young children really equal the hospitalization rates of the elderly," Rennels said.  "The difference is [that] kids don't die from it as often."

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