Use of the influenza vaccine in children 6 to 23 months is not
associated with an increased risk for a medical visit for any
serious conditions, according to a study in the October 25 issue
of JAMA. Influenza is a leading vaccine-preventable cause of
illness and death in the United States. Children younger than 2
years experience higher rates of illness from influenza than any
other age group except individuals older than 65 years,
according to background information in the article. Until
recently, the trivalent inactivated influenza vaccine was
recommended only for adults and children with known chronic
medical conditions that could put them at higher risk from
influenza infection, such as asthma. But based on the increasing
evidence of high rates of illness from influenza infection in
young children, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
recommended use of this vaccine in all children 6 to 23 months
old, including healthy children with no chronic medical
condition, beginning in the winter season of