Influenza vaccines: a pediatric perspective

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Abstract
To understand the burden of disease attributable to influenza among children and to understand the basis for changing recommendations for immunization of young children. I will review the current recommendations regarding use of trivalent, inactivated influenza vaccine and live, attenuated influenza vaccine. Annual immunization of all children between 6 and 59 months of age and their household contacts is recommended starting with the 2006-2007 season, including a two-dose strategy for children under 9 years of age. Expanded recommendations are expected to reduce the number of outpatient visits, hospitalization rates and mortality rates due to influenza for both children and adults.