Encouraging vs. Recommending re: Infant Flu Vaccination
Flu vaccine now recommended for infants
Healthy infants could benefit from the influenza (flu) vaccine during the 2002-2003 season, the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) and the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention said on Monday.
In addition, the committee is "encouraging" influenza vaccination for healthy children aged 6 months to 23 months because children in this age group are at substantially increased risk for influenza-related hospitalizations. A full recommendation to annually vaccinate healthy children aged 6 months-23 months is expected to be made within the next one to three years.
Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP): Feb. 20-23, 2002
ACIP discussed various proposed changes and revisions to the influenza immunization recommendation, including updating disease incidence and epidemiologic information, editing for clarity, and modifying the recommendation regarding the use of influenza vaccine in children 6 to 23 months of age. Alternative draft language for this section, i.e., "encouraging" versus "recommending" vaccination of this age group was discussed relative to anticipated vaccine uptake and to the implications of each for the Vaccines for Children Program. This section will be reviewed again during the June 2002 ACIP meeting, at which time the committee will determine the final language for the document.
New Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) Makes New Influenza Vaccine Recommendations
Panel Advises Flu Shots for Babies
A government advisory panel decided Wednesday to encourage flu shots for children ages 6 months to 23 months -- a group not previously on the recommended list for the vaccine.
US encourages flu jabs for infants aged under 2
U.S panel urges flu shots for tots - New research shows 6-to 23-month-olds at risk
A government advisory panel decided Wednesday to encourage flu shots for children ages 6 months to 23 months — a group not previously on the recommended list for the vaccine.
Vaccine panel urges flu shots for babies
Babies could start getting flu shots next season if doctors and parents follow new advice from a federal immunization panel.
Because infants are at high risk for serious sickness and hospitalization from influenza, the panel is encouraging flu shots for children between the ages of 6 months and 23 months.
Until now, the shots were recommended only for those over 6 months who had chronic illnesses such as asthma and diabetes, which put them at greater risk.
The Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices, which sets vaccination guidelines for the country, stopped short of making a full-blown "recommendation" that all young children get flu shots - a designation that would better guarantee that doctors give the shots and insurance companies pay for them.
The panel instead said flu shots should be "encouraged" for healthy babies and toddlers. The committee plans to move toward the stronger recommendation over the next few years.