The CDC Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices has released its 2010 recommendations for the prevention and control of influenza. In 2009, annual flu vaccination was recommended for high-risk groups; routine vaccination of healthy nonpregnant adults aged 19-49 years was not recommended. The 2010 recommendations expand routine influenza vaccination to all persons aged 6 months and older, including healthy nonpregnant adults aged 19-49 years, and provide information regarding recently approved vaccines (Fluzone High-Dose, Fluarix, and Afluria).
The CDC now recommends two doses of seasonal influenza vaccine in children aged 6 months to 8 years who have not been previously vaccinated, who only received one dose of influenza vaccine in their initial year of immunization, or who did not receive influenza A (H1N1) 2009 monovalent vaccine (regardless of other influenza vaccine history). It is also noted that the seasonal influenza vaccine now includes the A/California/7/2009 (H1N1)-like virus (derived from a 2009 pandemic influenza A [H1N1] virus), eliminating the need for a separate 2009 pandemic influenza A (H1N1) vaccination.
The FDA has approved the vaccines for the 2010-2011 influenza season. Vaccination should be given as soon as the 2010-2011 seasonal influenza vaccine is available. If the 2010 seasonal vaccine is delayed, monovalent H1N1 2009 vaccine may still be of use. For more influenza information, see the CDC website.
Continue Reading
