Seasonal Influenza Information for Children and Adolescents

Seasonal influenza is more dangerous than the common cold for children. Each year, flu places a large burden on the health and well-being of children and families. An influenza vaccination is the best method for preventing seasonal flu and its potentially severe complications in children. The New York State Department of Health recommends that all children aged 6 months up to their 19th birthday get a seasonal flu vaccine.

The seasonal influenza vaccine is not approved for use in children younger than 6 months old, but their risk of flu complications is higher than for any other child age group. The best way to protect children younger than 6 months against seasonal influenza is to make sure members of their household and their caregivers are vaccinated.