Influenza Vaccines During the 2008-2009 Influenza Season

Influenza causes serious morbidity and mortality rates in patients below the age of 2 and above the age of 65 years, and in those who have underlying diseases that may cause influenza complications. The Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has recommended vaccination of all children aged 6 months-18 years annually beginning in the 2008--09 influenza season, and has decided that every healthy nonpregnant person between the ages of 2-49years may be vaccinated with live attenuated influenza vaccine (LAIV). This paper contains new ACIP suggestions, as well as up-to-date information about influenza vaccinations.