Influenza vaccine (flu vaccine)
Influenza vaccine is recommended annually for children age greater than or equal to 6 months with certain risk factors (including but not limited to children with asthma, cardiac disease, sickle cell disease, human immunodeficiency virus infection [HIV], and diabetes), healthcare workers, and other persons (including househod members) in close contact with persons in groups at high risk (see MMWR 2004; 53; (RR-6):1-40). In addition, healthy children aged 6 to 23 months and close contacts of healthy children aged 0 to 23 months are recommended to receive influenza vaccine because children in this age group are at substantially increased risk for influenza-related hospitalizations. For healthy persons age 5 to 49 years, the intranasally administered, live, attenuated influenza vaccine (LAIV) is an acceptable alternative to the intramuscular trivalent inactivated influenza vaccine (TIV). See MMWR 2004; 53; (RR-6):1-40. Children receiving TIV should be administered a dosage appropriate for their age (0.25 mL if aged 6 to 35 months or 0.5 mL if aged greater than or equal to 3 years). Children aged less than or equal to 8 years who are receiving influenza vaccine for the first time should receive 2 doses (separated by at least 4 weeks for TIV and at least 6 weeks for LAIV).
Hepatitis A vaccine
Hepatitis A vaccine is recommended for children and adolescents in selected states and regions and for certain high-risk groups; consult your local public health authority. Children and adolescents in these states, regions, and high-risk groups who have not been immunized against hepatitis A can begin the hepatitis A immunization series during any visit. The 2 doses in the series should be administered at least 6 months apart. See MMWR 1999-48(RR-12)-1-37.
