Seasonal influenza vaccination in children and adolescents. Recommendations of the vaccine advisory committee of the Spanish society of paediatrics for the 2016-2017 campaign

Abstract

The Advisory Committee on Immunization of the Spanish Association of Paediatrics issues its recommendations about vaccination against influenza virus in children and adolescents every year before the onset of the flu season. Influenza vaccination is particularly beneficial when aimed at individuals, both children and adults, who are included in the population groups considered at risk. However, for various reasons, many children and adolescents with underlying conditions and their contacts are still not given this vaccination annually. There is a need for a greater involvement of health professionals, health authorities and all social agents to inform the population, especially to the parents of children and adolescents in those risk groups, on the recommendations for seasonal influenza vaccination. In this document, current recommendations for influenza vaccination for the 2016-2017 season are presented, and reasons and limitations are explained. The recommendation for influenza vaccination is emphasized for health professionals. © 2016 Rev Pediatr Aten Primaria. All rights reserved.