Recommendations for Prevention and Control of Influenza in Children, 2016–2017

Abstract

The purpose of this statement is to update recommendations for the routine use of seasonal influenza vaccine and antiviral medications for the prevention and treatment of influenza in children. The AAP recommends annual seasonal influenza immunization for everyone 6 months and older, including children and adolescents. Highlights for the upcoming 2016–2017 season include the following: 1. Annual universal influenza immunization is indicated with either a trivalent or quadrivalent (no preference) inactivated vaccine. 2. The 2016–2017 influenza A (H3N2) vaccine strain differs from that contained in the 2015–2016 seasonal vaccines. The 2016–2017 influenza B vaccine strain (Victoria lineage) included in the trivalent vaccine differs from that contained in the 2015–2016 seasonal trivalent vaccines (Yamagata lineage).  a. Trivalent vaccine contains an A/California/7/2009 (H1N1)pdm09–like virus, an A/Hong Kong/4801/2014 (H3N2)–like virus, and a B/Brisbane/60/2008-like virus (B/Victoria lineage).  b. Quadrivalent vaccine contains an additional B virus (B/Phuket/3073/2013-like virus [B/Yamagata lineage]). 3. Quadrivalent live attenuated influenza vaccine (LAIV4) should not be used in any setting during the 2016–2017 influenza season in light of the evidence for poor effectiveness of LAIV4 in recent seasons, particularly against influenza A (H1N1)pdm09 viruses. 4. All children with egg allergy can receive influenza vaccine with no additional precautions from those of routine vaccinations. 5. All HCP should receive an annual influenza vaccine, a crucial step in preventing influenza and reducing health care–associated influenza infections. Because HCP may care for or live with people at high risk of influenza-related complications, it is especially important for them to get vaccinated annually. 6. Pediatricians should attempt to promptly identify children suspected of having influenza for rapid antiviral treatment, when indicated, to reduce morbidity and mortality.