Daily HealthBeat Tip

Flu shots for kids

From the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, I'm Ira Dreyfuss with HHS HealthBeat.

Flu isn't just for grown-ups. Kids get it, too. And complications from influenza can send children to the doctor -- even the hospital. So the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has broadened its recommendations about giving kids flu shots. The CDC's Jeanne Santoli:

"CDC is recommending yearly influenza vaccination to include children aged two years up to their fifth birthday, as well as their household contacts and those who care for them." (eleven seconds)

That's in addition to previous recommendation for yearly vaccination of six- to-23-month-olds.

Kids getting their first shot need two doses, at least one month apart.

This is still a good time for everybody who needs vaccination to get it. Flu season usually doesn't peak until January or later. There's plenty of vaccine.

National Influenza Vaccination Week is November 27th through December third.

Learn more at www.hhs.gov.

HHS HealthBeat is a production of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. I'm Ira Dreyfuss.

Last revised: November 29, 2006

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