tetano
Editor, Senior Moderator
Pediatrics
. 2026 Aug 10.
doi: 10.1542/peds.2026-078778. Online ahead of print.
Recommendations for Prevention and Control of Influenza in Children, 2026-2027: Policy Statement
Committee on Infectious Diseases
This statement updates recommendations of the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) for use of influenza vaccines and antiviral medications in prevention and treatment of influenza in children during the 2026-2027 influenza season. A review of evidence supporting these recommendations is in the accompanying technical report (https://doi.org/10.1542/peds.2026-078779). The AAP recommends annual influenza vaccination of all children without medical contraindications starting at 6 months of age. Influenza vaccination is an important strategy for protecting children and the broader community as well as reducing the overall burden of respiratory illnesses when other viruses are cocirculating. Any licensed influenza vaccine appropriate for age and health status can be administered, as soon as possible in the season, without preference for one product or formulation. Antiviral treatment of influenza may reduce the duration of symptoms; reduce complications, including hospitalization and death; and potentially reduce transmission. The AAP recommends antiviral treatment for children with suspected or confirmed influenza who are hospitalized or have severe or progressive disease. In ambulatory settings, antiviral treatment should be offered to children who are at high risk of complications from influenza, including those with chronic medical conditions and immunocompromised patients. In all these situations, antiviral treatment should be started as soon as possible regardless of duration of illness or receipt of influenza vaccine. Antiviral treatment is an option in the ambulatory setting for all children with suspected or confirmed influenza. Antiviral chemoprophylaxis is an option in certain individuals, especially exposed children who are asymptomatic and are at high risk for influenza complications but have not yet been immunized or, if immunized, those who are not expected to mount an effective immune response.
. 2026 Aug 10.
doi: 10.1542/peds.2026-078778. Online ahead of print.
Recommendations for Prevention and Control of Influenza in Children, 2026-2027: Policy Statement
Committee on Infectious Diseases
- PMID: 42572140
- DOI: 10.1542/peds.2026-078778
This statement updates recommendations of the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) for use of influenza vaccines and antiviral medications in prevention and treatment of influenza in children during the 2026-2027 influenza season. A review of evidence supporting these recommendations is in the accompanying technical report (https://doi.org/10.1542/peds.2026-078779). The AAP recommends annual influenza vaccination of all children without medical contraindications starting at 6 months of age. Influenza vaccination is an important strategy for protecting children and the broader community as well as reducing the overall burden of respiratory illnesses when other viruses are cocirculating. Any licensed influenza vaccine appropriate for age and health status can be administered, as soon as possible in the season, without preference for one product or formulation. Antiviral treatment of influenza may reduce the duration of symptoms; reduce complications, including hospitalization and death; and potentially reduce transmission. The AAP recommends antiviral treatment for children with suspected or confirmed influenza who are hospitalized or have severe or progressive disease. In ambulatory settings, antiviral treatment should be offered to children who are at high risk of complications from influenza, including those with chronic medical conditions and immunocompromised patients. In all these situations, antiviral treatment should be started as soon as possible regardless of duration of illness or receipt of influenza vaccine. Antiviral treatment is an option in the ambulatory setting for all children with suspected or confirmed influenza. Antiviral chemoprophylaxis is an option in certain individuals, especially exposed children who are asymptomatic and are at high risk for influenza complications but have not yet been immunized or, if immunized, those who are not expected to mount an effective immune response.