Updated ACIP Guidelines
The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) and Prevention and its Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) state that vaccination is recommended for people, including school-age children, who want to reduce the likelihood of becoming ill with influenza or transmitting influenza to others should they become infected.1 Vaccination is also recommended for those in high-risk groups, including:
Children and Adolescents
- All those aged 6 to 59 months*
- Those aged 6 months* to 18 years, who take long-term aspirin therapy. (They are at increased risk of Reyes Syndrome)
Adults and Children with Certain Medical Conditions
- Those who have chronic disorders of the pulmonary or cardiovascular systems, including asthma (hypertension is not considered a high-risk condition) and renal, hepatic, hematological, or metabolic disorders (including diabetes mellitus)
- Those who have immunosuppression (including immunosuppression caused by medications or by HIV)
- Those with any condition (e.g., cognitive dysfunction, spinal cord injuries, seizure disorders, or other neuromuscular disorders) that can compromise respiratory function or the handling of respiratory secretions, or that can increase the risk of aspiration
Healthy adults
- Women who will be pregnant during flu season
- People aged 50 years or older
Seniors
- Residents of nursing homes or other chronic-care facilities
- People who live with or look after someone else in a high-risk group
- Families and caregivers of children aged 0 to 59 months
- Healthcare workers
* Influenza vaccines are not currently indicated for children less than 6 months of age.
References:
- CDC. Prevention and Control of Influenza: recommendations of the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP). MMWR 2007:56(Early Release);1–54.
