Recommendations for Prevention and Control of Influenza in Children, 2010–2011

Abstract

The purpose of this statement is to update current recommendations for routine use of trivalent seasonal influenza vaccine and antiviral medications for the prevention and treatment of influenza in children. The 2009 influenza A (H1N1) pandemic virus is expected to circulate, with infants and children at increased risk of severe illness and death. This year's trivalent seasonal influenza vaccine contains A/California/7/2009 (H1N1)-like antigen (derived from the 2009 pandemic influenza A [H1N1] virus); A/Perth/16/2009 (H3N2)-like antigen; and B/Brisbane/60/2008-like antigen. Pediatricians continue to have a leadership role in the prevention of influenza through vaccine use and public education. In addition, pediatricians should promptly identify influenza infections to enable rapid treatment of influenza, when indicated, to reduce childhood morbidity and mortality.