Use the resources on this page to help improve communications about the importance of the influenza vaccine and promote vaccine confidence each influenza season.
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Watch the recent AAP/CDC webinar on preparing for the 2024-2025 respiratory season
Overview of Influenza
Influenza is a contagious respiratory illness caused by influenza viruses, which can cause mild to severe symptoms, leading to hospitalization or death. There are two types of influenza viruses (A and B) that cause seasonal outbreaks each year, otherwise known as the influenza season. Children younger than 5 years old, especially those younger than 2, and children and adolescents with certain underlying medical conditions are at a high risk of developing serious influenza-related complications. Influenza vaccines are a safe and effective way to prevent serious symptoms, hospitalization, and death due to influenza-related illnesses.
AAP Recommendations
The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends annual influenza immunization of all children without medical contraindications, starting at 6 months of age. Any licensed influenza vaccine (injection and intranasal) appropriate by age and health status can be used for vaccination.
Influenza policies from the AAP and CDC are updated annually:
- The American Academy of Pediatrics Recommendations for Prevention and Control of Influenza in Children, 2024-25
- The CDC Recommendations for Prevention and Control of Seasonal Influenza, 2023-24, recommends routine annual influenza vaccination for all persons aged ≥6 months who do not have contraindications.
- The AAP recommends influenza immunization for all health care personnel. Mandatory influenza immunization for all healthcare personnel is necessary to improve patient safety and reduce healthcare-associated influenza infections.
More About the Science
Find additional information on the influenza vaccine efficacy and its benefits to children.
Professional Tools & Resources
Here you will find essential resources and tools to prepare your practice for the flu season and assist in the care of children and their families affected by influenza.
Podcasts and Voices Blogs
Learn what others are saying. Listen to our podcasts and read our blog posts.
Influenza Policy During COVID-19 - Episode 14
In this episode, hosts David Hill, MD, FAAP, and Joanna Parga-Belinkie, MD, FAAP, talk about changes to the AAP Influenza Policy. Flor Munoz, MD, MSc, FAAP, who co-wrote the guidance, explains the increased danger of flu and why the vaccine is so important during COVID-19.
Pediatrics on Call
|September 29, 2020
Flu Vaccine Guidance - Episode 79
In this episode Flor Munoz, MD, MSc, FAAP, who co-wrote the updated AAP influenza policy statement, talks about the importance of the flu vaccine in an unpredictable viral season.
Pediatrics on Call
|September 14, 2021
Flu Vaccinations
It’s important for kids to get their vaccines in their medical home. Here's how to get creative and make your practice is the preferred place to receive them.
Voices Blog
|December 19, 2019
Last Updated
09/16/2021
Source
American Academy of Pediatrics