AAP Urges Influenza Vaccination for All Healthy Children Aged 6 Months and Older

In a decisive move to enhance pediatric health, the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) has officially recommended that all healthy children aged six months and older receive the influenza vaccine for the 2025-2026 flu season. This guidance, announced on July 28, 2025, comes in light of concerning statistics showing that 42.7% of the 253 influenza-related pediatric deaths reported through June 21, 2025, occurred in children without high-risk medical conditions. The AAP, representing over 67,000 pediatricians and specialists, emphasizes the importance of timely vaccination, particularly as children return to schools where flu spread is prevalent.

The AAP's recommendations are supported by extensive research and are articulated through a policy statement and a technical report published in the journal Pediatrics. According to Dr. Sarah Johnson, Professor of Pediatrics at the University of California, San Francisco, and a collaborator on the AAP's recommendations, 'Vaccination not only protects individual children but also contributes to community immunity, reducing overall flu transmission.' The AAP advises that any licensed vaccine appropriate for a child’s age can be administered early in the flu season, without preference for a specific product.

Children aged six months to eight years who are receiving the vaccine for the first time or have only received one prior dose should receive two doses spaced four weeks apart. Ideally, vaccinations should occur by the end of October to ensure optimal protection before the flu season peaks. The AAP underscores that parents should not delay vaccination in hopes of obtaining a specific vaccine formulation, including thimerosal-free options, especially since the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services has mandated the removal of thimerosal from all influenza vaccines distributed in the country.

Moreover, the AAP encourages vaccination for all pregnant individuals during any trimester, as it offers protection to newborns through transplacental antibody transfer. However, they recommend that live attenuated influenza vaccine (LAIV) not be administered to immunocompromised children or those with certain chronic medical conditions.

Dr. Kristina Bryant, a member of the AAP Committee on Infectious Diseases, highlights the critical role of vaccination as children prepare to return to school, stating, 'Children are more likely to get sick during the school year due to close contact with peers.' Dr. Lori Handy, Associate Director of the Vaccine Education Center at Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, echoes this sentiment, noting that many parents may overlook essential vaccinations amid busy schedules. 'Now is a good time to ensure children are protected as they enter crowded settings,' Handy explains.

Influenza symptoms can range from fever and body aches to sore throat and gastrointestinal disturbances. The AAP cautions that, as flu, COVID-19, and other respiratory viruses circulate simultaneously, vaccination remains a vital tool for preventing severe illness, even if the vaccine does not perfectly match circulating strains.

As the AAP moves forward with its recommendations, the focus remains on safeguarding the health of children and the broader community as the flu season approaches. The organization will continue to review and update its guidelines based on the latest evidence and public health data, ensuring that pediatric vaccination efforts align with best practices and scientific advancement.