The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) issued updated recommendations for the prevention and control of influenza in children for the 2026-27 season, urging vaccination for all children aged 6 months and older.
RT’s Three Key Takeaways:
- Universal Vaccination Urged: The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommends that all children aged 6 months and older receive an annual influenza vaccine to prevent severe illness, hospitalizations, and death.
- High Pediatric Mortality: Nearly 200 children died during the 2025-26 season, with approximately 85% of those victims being unvaccinated.
- Antiviral Accessibility: The antiviral drug Xofluza will be available as a generic this season, potentially increasing treatment options for eligible children 5 years and older.
The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) issued updated recommendations for the prevention and control of influenza in children for the 2026-27 season, urging vaccination for all children aged 6 months and older.
The policy statement and technical report, “Recommendations for Prevention and Control of Influenza in Children, 2026-2027,” follows a high-severity 2025-26 season that resulted in 190 pediatric deaths, according to an AAP news release. Data shows that 85% of children who died from the flu were not vaccinated.
“We know they are safe in children and they can prevent not just hospitalizations and death but every year they prevent a substantial number of illnesses that result in trips to the doctor’s office,” said Kristina A Bryant, member of the AAP committee on infectious diseases, in a news release.
Vaccination coverage remained low during the 2025-26 season, with only 49.4% of children aged 6 months through 17 years receiving the vaccine through mid-May 2026. A study conducted by experts from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) found that vaccines reduce the risk of flu-related death among children and teens by 80%, according to the AAP.
The AAP guidance also addresses treatment protocols, recommending antiviral drugs for children with suspected or confirmed influenza who are hospitalized, have progressive disease, or are at high risk for complications. The antiviral drug Xofluza (baloxavir marboxil) will be available as a generic for the upcoming season, which may increase access for eligible children aged 5 years and older.
Flu vaccines are expected to be covered by commercial insurance and the Vaccines for Children program, according to the AAP.
