The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has reported that more than 45 pediatric influenza-related deaths have occurred during the current influenza season.

In the United States, more children die from influenza each year than all other vaccine-preventable diseases combined; however, pediatric influenza immunization rates are far below rates for other childhood vaccines.

The CDC's Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) expanded recommendation for all children 6 months–18 years of age to be immunized against influenza goes into effect for the 2009-2010 season, and while this influenza season is not over, planning for next year’s season is critical for successful implementation of the expanded recommendation.

The high number of children and adolescents who have died from influenza this season highlight the unmet medical need for vaccinating children 6 months–18 years of age.

For up-to-date information about influenza activity, please visit CDC's weekly report at: http://www.cdc.gov/flu/weekly/.

Please visit http://www.vaccineshoppe.com to begin preparing to implement the expanded pediatric recommendation that goes into effect next season.