Flu Shot Cuts Kids' Infection Risk in Half

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Up to 20 percent of the population gets the flu every year, according to the CDC. The disease is primarily spread by coughing, sneezing or touching something with the flu and then touching your nose or mouth. Those at highest risk for complications from the flu include children from 6 months to 5 years of age, pregnant women and people over 50.

The Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP), a group of 15 health experts chosen by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services to provide vaccination guidelines, recommends that children aged 6 to 59 months receive flu vaccinations annually. The first year he or she is vaccinated, a child must have a booster shot and a follow-up shot a little more than one month later. In succeeding years, the child only needs one shot annually.

Vaccines usually become available in the late fall to be ready for the flu season, which generally peaks in January, Shuler said.

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More information

There's more on the flu at the CDC.

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