HHS HealthBeat (June 4, 2008)

Big kids and flu

From the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, I’m Tishia Humes with HHS HealthBeat.

The flu can attack all kids, not just the little ones.

A group of experts on immunization says young people from ages 6 months through 18 years should get flu shots. The Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices made its recommendation to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. The age has been 6 months through 59 months.

CDC epidemiologist Tony Fiore explains what happens if lots of children are not vaccinated against the flu:

“The flu has serious effects in some children and effects many other children with less serious illness. And it allows transmission to other persons who might be more vulnerable.” (10 seconds)

And that can result in more medical visits and missed time from school.

Priority would still be placed on children less than 5 years of age, and on children with chronic conditions such as asthma, diabetes, kidney disease or weakened immune systems.

Learn more at hhs.gov.

HHS HealthBeat is a production of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. I’m Tishia Humes.

Last revised: May 7, 2011