Pediatric Influenza Vaccination Recommendations

Opinion
Video

Todd Wolynn, MD, reviews influenza vaccination recommendations for pediatric populations, highlighting the egg-based and cell-based formulations.

This is a video synopsis/summary of a panel discussion involving Todd Wolynn, MD.

In the discussion, the speaker emphasizes the availability of influenza vaccines for children, with a universal recommendation for vaccination starting at 6 months of age. Despite this, the speaker expresses concern over suboptimal immunization rates in children. Historically, even with age-specific recommendations, rates did not surpass 50%, but a shift to universal recommendations improved vaccination rates, especially in younger age groups. However, rates decline as children transition into their teens, often avoiding medical visits. The vaccination protocol involves 2 doses in the first year for children under 9 years old, with subsequent years requiring only 1 dose. Various vaccines exist, including traditional egg-based inactivated influenza vaccines, newer cell-based inactivated vaccines, and live attenuated influenza vaccines administered through nasal spray. The latter has age restrictions, recommended for people aged between 2 and 49 years. In contrast, injectable inactivated vaccines cover a broader age range, starting from 6 months and extending through adulthood. The discussion highlights the diverse vaccine options available and underscores the importance of increasing immunization rates among children.

Video synopsis is AI-generated and reviewed by Contemporary Pediatrics editorial staff.

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