A University of Iowa Health Care pediatrician is urging parents of children
between the ages of 6 to 23 months to have their children vaccinated for
influenza in the fall.
The recommendation by Jody Murph, MD, UI associate professor of pediatrics,
reinforces Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) guidelines
stating that children in this age group should receive flu shots. According
to the CDC, children ages 6 months to 23 months are at a greater risk
for flu-related hospitalizations.
"Even if your child is healthy, it is a good idea to schedule a
flu shot to maintain the child’s health, prevent serious disease
or hospitalization, and help prevent the spread of influenza to others,"
Murph said.
The National Immunization Program (NIP) of the CDC also recommends that
household contacts and out-of-home caregivers for children younger than
age 2 get the vaccine to prevent exposing young infants and toddlers to
the flu. While children under 6 months old cannot receive influenza vaccinations,
they can catch the flu, which can pose serious health risks for infants.
The NIP recommends that children ages 6 months to 23 months, as well
as caregivers and people who have household contact with a child, should
receive the vaccination in October or November, although December is not
too late. Children from 6 months to 8 years old who receive a flu shot
for the first time will also need a booster shot one month after the first
shot. Therefore, to best ensure protection against the flu, parents should
have their children vaccinated as early as possible, Murph said.
According to the CDC, in addition to children ages 6 months to 23 months,
other groups at higher risk from flu-related complications or severe illness
include: adults age 65 and older; adults and children with chronic health
problems such as asthma, kidney disease, heart disease or diabetes; adults
or children with HIV/AIDS or those receiving medical treatment that can
weaken the immune system (such as chemotherapy); children who are receiving
long-term aspirin therapy; and women who will be at least three months
pregnant during the flu season.
However, almost everyone can benefit from a flu shot, Murph noted.
"The flu vaccine is the most effective way to protect against influenza
and its complications," she said.
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