Prevention of influenza: Recommendations for influenza immunization of children, 2006-2007

The purpose of this statement is to update recommendations for routine use of influenza vaccine in children for the 2006 - 2007 influenza season. The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends annual influenza immunization for ( 1) children with high-risk conditions who are 6 months and older; (2) healthy children 6 through 59 months of age; (3) household contacts and out-of-home caregivers of children with high-risk conditions and all healthy children younger than 5 years; and (4) health care professionals. Other children, adolescents, and adults can be immunized to decrease the impact of influenza as indicated in the Red Book: 2006 Report of the Committee on Infectious Diseases.