Childhood Influenza Immunization Coalition Issues New Report to Help Improve Low Childhood Influenza Immuniza...(site provides health care professionals ...),Health

Consumers will find an influenza fact sheet, frequently asked questions about childhood influenza, personal stories from families affected by influenza and public service messages. There also is an interactive Influenza Risk Calculator, an easy-to-use assessment tool that allows individuals to input personal health information and instantly determine if they, or their loved ones, should get vaccinated. A reminder system, called "Stay Informed!," allows visitors to register for ongoing immunization updates and receive major Coalition announcements.

Media also have a special resource center on the site that provides influenza backgrounders and other key materials to help facilitate reporting on childhood influenza and immunization.

About Influenza Vaccination Recommendations

To protect children from this serious and potentially deadly disease, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends annual influenza vaccination of all children 6 months up to 5 years of age. Vaccination is also recommended for any child at least 6 months of age with a compromised immune system and certain underlying medical conditions (e.g., asthma, diabetes, heart disease, immune deficiency). Vaccination is also recommended for close contacts of any of these children, and for anyone who lives with or cares for infants 0 to 6 months of age since this is the only way to prevent influenza in these infants. These very young infants are more likely to be hospitalized if they contract influenza than even the elderly.

Women who are pregnant are at increased risk for hospitalization should they develop influenza, and they should be vaccinated to protect themselves from influenza and to help ensure a healthy pregnancy and baby. Infants younger than
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