Pediatrician's Recommendation: Children Aged 6 Months, Older Should Be Vaccinated Against Flu This Year, No Exceptions

The American Academy of Pediatrics recommended immunizing children against the flu for the 2016-17 flu season by October. This applies to all children 6 months of age or older. They also advise people who are around the children all the time or care of them should also be vaccinated. The pregnant women must also be immunized, according to pediatrician's group.

The American Academy of Pediatrics stated that at least 85 kids died after catching one of two strains of flu virus that dispersed in the season. Some people thought that children who have diseases like heart problems, cancer, diabetes or asthma---die of flu. On the other hand, it is recorded last year that half of the children died of flu didn't have any such diseases. This is the reason why the pediatrics' group is having guidelines to vaccinate children with six years of age and older---no exceptions.

The Los Angeles Times reported that pediatrician's group is also not recommending the FluMist anymore. Citations in the journal Pediatrics indicated that FluMist didn't give any protection against the flu. This leaves only one option for parents and pediatricians, which is a flu shot.

"Patients who would like to prevent the flu will use whatever option is available," noted Atlanta pediatrician Dr. Jennifer Shu. "I let patients know that vaccines are constantly being evaluated for safety and effectiveness and that FluMist is no longer recommended because it was not working as expected."

CNN reports that flu shot is an inactivated influenza vaccine. On the other hand, the Flu Mist is a live attenuated influenza vaccine, wherein the viruses have been weakened and work by stimulating the immune system.

The flu vaccines could give your body's army of disease-fighting immune cells. Also, the viruses in the vaccine cannot make you sick though you will have sniffles, fever and muscle aches once the vaccine is shot. The Center for Disease Control and Prevention anticipates that drug companies could produce enough flu vaccine that is about 157 million and 168 million shot doses to meet the typical U.S. demand.