Prevention and Control of Influenza in Children

Target Population: Pediatric healthcare providers

Background and Objective

The AAP has updated its recommendations for influenza prevention and treatment for the upcoming season.

Key Points

• Annual influenza vaccine (either trivalent or quadrivalent, with no preference) is recommended for all children 6 months of age and older.

• Vaccine composition for the 2014-2015 season is unchanged from last season.

• Live attenuated influenza vaccine (LAIV) is preferred over inactivated influenza vaccine (IIV) for healthy children aged 2 to 8 years without contraindications; however, if LAIV is not available, vaccination should not be delayed to obtain it.

• Children aged 6 months to 8 years require only 1 dose of vaccine if they have previously received either ≥1 dose of last season's vaccine or ≥2 doses of any seasonal vaccine since 2010; otherwise, they require 2 doses 4 weeks apart.

• The neuraminidase inhibitors oseltamivir and zanamivir are the only antiviral agents recommended for treatment and prophylaxis of influenza; prophylaxis should not be considered a substitute for immunization.

• Two egg-free trivalent IIVs are available for individuals aged 18 years and older with severe egg allergy. Children with a mild reaction (hives) to eggs may receive either IIV or LAIV, provided that resuscitative equipment is available and they are observed for 30 minutes after vaccination.