Flu Vaccine for 17-Year-Olds: Pediatrician Recommendations
- Main Point: Pediatricians, infectologists, and vaccinologists are advocating for systematic flu vaccination for all children between 6 months and 17 years old.
- * currently, the flu vaccine is funded for children aged 6-59 months and for older children considered at risk.
- * Significant Impact of Flu: The flu affects 30-40% of children each season,causing millions of serious cases and tens of thousands of deaths globally.
Here’s a summary of the key information from the provided text:
Main Point: Pediatricians, infectologists, and vaccinologists are advocating for systematic flu vaccination for all children between 6 months and 17 years old.
Current Situation:
* currently, the flu vaccine is funded for children aged 6-59 months and for older children considered at risk.
* Experts believe this is insufficient.
Why Systematic Vaccination is Recommended:
* Significant Impact of Flu: The flu affects 30-40% of children each season,causing millions of serious cases and tens of thousands of deaths globally. It’s more deadly than meningococcal disease in young children.
* Rising Mortality: Recent data from the US and Australia show increased flu-related mortality and ICU admissions in children and adolescents.
* Children as Transmitters: Children carry the flu virus for a longer period and transmit it more effectively than adults, making vaccination a community-level protective measure. Vaccinating children creates a “shield” for the entire community.
Expert Opinion:
* Dr.Fernando Baquero (SEIP president) emphasizes the need to reinforce vaccination in childhood and adolescence to reduce incidence, hospitalization, and ICU admissions.