Most Kids Should Get Flu Shot This Year

The American Academy of Pediatrics says that all children age 6 months and older should get a new flu shot this season — even if they had one last year. The 2011-2012 vaccine will protect against the same three strains of influenza as last year’s vaccine. The vaccine’s protection from the flu only lasts for about 6 to 12 months. That’s because a person’s immunity drops by as much as 50% after vaccination. So it’s important to get the flu vaccine every year to keep your protection up to date. The journal Pediatrics published the new guideline online on September 1. HealthDay News wrote about it.