CDC Releases 2019-20 Flu Vaccine Recommendations
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) released its influenza vaccine recommendations last month in the August 23 edition of Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report. This report reviews information about the upcoming influenza season, including:
- Outlining the available influenza vaccine products (Inactivated, recombinant, dosages, etc.)
- Changes and updates from the 2018-2019 seasons
- Specific group recommendations (children, elderly, patients with specific complications, travelers, timing of administration)
- Storage, handling, and administration overview
The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) also made several recommendations for the vaccine in children, including:
- Both inactivated influenza vaccine and live attenuated influenza vaccine can be options for children.
- All pediatric influenza vaccines will be quadrivalent vaccines, and the age indication has been expanded for use in those ages 6 months and older.
- New formulations of licensed influenza vaccines with a volume of 0.5 mL per dose have been approved for children ages 6 months through 36 months. Children 6 months through 35 months may now receive either the 0.25- or 0.5-mL dose, with no preference. Older children should continue receiving the 0.5-mL dose.