4/9/2014

Flu activity is decreasing overall in the United States, yet influenza viruses are still circulating and causing disease. A total of 75 influenza-associated pediatric deaths for the 2013-2014 season have been reported to date. Influenza has been known to still circulate into May and June.

Vaccination remains the most important step in protecting against influenza. The AAP and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) urge everyone who still has not been vaccinated to get vaccinated now. Yearly vaccination is especially important for people who come in contact with high risk children in order to protect the child (or children) from the flu. An estimate of this season’s flu vaccine effectiveness to prevent influenza-associated illness was recently completed by the CDC.

Planning for the next flu season is already underway. The vaccine viruses recommended by the World Health Organization and the US Food and Drug Administration Vaccines and Related Biological Products Advisory Committee for the 2014-15 influenza season are the same as those for the 2013-14 influenza season. Everyone will still need their flu vaccine again next flu season, but some children, who normally would need two doses, will only need one dose because the strains will be unchanged from this season.

For more detailed influenza information, see the AAP Red Book Online Influenza Resource page or the CDC FluView. All American Academy of Pediatrics “What’s the Latest with the Flu” messages can be found online  The AAP looks forward to working with each of you on influenza prevention and control efforts next year.

Source: Health Child Care America