In March of this year, the AAP announced that there would be no changes made and pediatricians can use either flu shots or nasal spray flu vaccines for their patients. This guidance applies to the 2021-22 flu season, and is the same recommendation issued for the 2020-21 season. The CDC’s Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices is expected to discuss its flu policy in June but also anticipates no changes.
Although influenza activity has been at a record low, due to COVID-19, healthcare providers still stress the importance of getting the flu vaccine annually.
The AAP recommends:
- Annual influenza vaccination for all children 6 months of age and older.
- Any licensed influenza vaccine appropriate by age and health status can be used for influenza vaccination in children and youths.
- There is no preference for any influenza vaccine product for children with no contraindications to influenza vaccination and for whom more than one licensed, age-appropriate product is available.