ACIP: Flu shots for everyone six months and up

The Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) expanded the age range of which children should get a flu shot, including everyone from six months to adulthood.

The new recommendations, which are voluntary, would mean an extra 30 million children would need yearly flu shots. With all children immunized, the needs for antibiotics would be reduced, the spread of flu in schools would be reduced, and children and parents would miss less time at school and work.

Previously, ACIP had recommended children from six months to five years to be immunized for influenza. The recommendations are voluntary, but the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention usually follow the recommendations.

The ACIP division made the announcement at the tail end of the 2007-2008 flu season. This will ideally give influenza vaccine manufacturers enough time to increase their output. The aim is to have the increased immunization plan in place by the 2009-2010 flu season.