The American Academy of Pediatrics recently changed its policy, now recommending all children from 6 to 23 months of age receive flu shots.

Previously, the academy and government said the only children who needed flu shots were those in high-risk categories, such as those with chronic diseases.

“I think people should know there are new recommendations,” said Dr. Warren Post, a pediatrician at Fond du Lac Regional Clinic. “The academy wants to immunize 6-to-23-month-olds, but parents should know insurance may not cover it. There are costs and there have been minor questions about side effects that have held it up from being a standard immunization.”

Post said the Advisory Committee of Immunization Practices — the organization that makes policies that insurance companies and Medicaid respond to — have not yet made the flu immunization “standard” for young children.

Parents who choose to immunize their children also should know the child will need to receive two shots administered one month apart. Protection from the flu could not be counted on until the second shot is given.

Ideally, children would have received their first vaccination in fall.

Post said a number of parents choose not to give children the vaccine due to the many other shots required in the first two years.

Dr. Maria Quejada of Aurora Health Center said physicians are informing parents that the vaccine is available.

“I don’t say that they should (receive it),” Quejada said. “I tell them it’s being offered.”

A stronger message to receive the shot is given to parents of children who attend day-care, those with siblings who may be exposed to a number of germs and those who suffer from asthma or frequent ear infections.

Diane Cappozzo, director of the Fond du Lac County Health Department, said that the new policy is based on recent data showing that young children are hospitalized with influenza at least as often as adults over 50, for whom yearly flu shots are recommended.

The first two documented flu cases in the state were noted Thursday, according to an Associated Press report.

Cappozzo said no one is able to predict whether a flu season is going to be severe.

“If it were my family, I would probably have them vaccinated,” she said. “Hopefully, it would prevent them from severe illness down the road.”