Advisory Panel Says Most Kids Should Get Flu Shots

The Associated Press

All children – not just those younger than 5 – should get vaccinated against the flu, a federal advisory panel said Wednesday.

The panel voted to expand annual flu shots to virtually all children except infants younger than 6 months and those with serious egg allergies.

That means about 30 million more children could be getting vaccinated. If heeded, it would be one of the largest expansions in flu vaccination coverage in U.S. history.

The panel’s advice routinely is adopted by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, which issues vaccination guidelines to doctors and hospitals. Flu shots already were recommended for those considered to be at highest risk for death or serious illness from the flu, including children ages 6 months to 5 years, adults 50 and older, and people with weakened immune systems

The panel said that should be expanded to include children up to age 18.

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