From your pediatricians
Flu vaccine for the 2025–26 season: what the AAP recommends
Every child 6 months and older should get a flu vaccine this fall, as soon as it is available. Why this season matters, and who needs two doses.
St. Rose Pediatrics
From the practice blog
The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends that children and teens receive an annual influenza vaccine this fall — any licensed vaccine appropriate for age and health status, as soon as it becomes available.
Why this season matters
The 2024–25 season was a high-severity season for all ages. The CDC reported 253 influenza-related pediatric deaths through June 21, 2025 — 42.7% of them in children without a high-risk medical condition. Historically, up to 80% of influenza-associated pediatric deaths have occurred in unvaccinated or incompletely vaccinated children, and children younger than 5 are especially vulnerable to severe illness.
"Getting children vaccinated is like giving their immune system a book that teaches their bodies to recognize and resist a disease," said Kristina Bryant, MD, FAAP, of the AAP Committee on Infectious Diseases. "Immunized kids are healthier kids who can focus on growing, playing, and learning."
What the AAP recommends
Any licensed influenza vaccine appropriate for age and health status, without preference for one product or formulation — inactivated (IIV), recombinant (RIV), or the live attenuated nasal spray (LAIV).
Children 6 months to 8 years receive two doses, four weeks apart, if this is their first influenza vaccination or they received only one dose before July 1.
Ideally, doses should be received by the end of October for the best protection.
Vaccination should not be delayed to obtain a specific product, including a thimerosal-free product.
The vaccine is recommended for all pregnant individuals in any trimester — it protects the newborn in the first months of life through transplacental antibodies.
LAIV should not be used for immunocompromised persons or those with certain chronic conditions.
Watch for symptoms
Flu often brings fever, chills, headache, body aches, fatigue, sore throat, a dry hacking cough, congestion, vomiting or loose stools. If you are concerned about your child's illness, call us.
Ready for fall? Book your child's flu vaccine at either office, or call 702-564-8556.
Questions about your child?
Bring anything you read here to your next visit — we would rather answer it than have you guess.
Book an Appointment
