Influenza News

Year after year, experts say the best defense against seasonal influenza is getting vaccinated.

The FDA expanded the age indication of the only cell-based inactivated influenza vaccine approved for use in the United States to include children as young as age 6 months, the vaccine’s manufacturer announced Friday.

A cell-based influenza vaccine was 54% effective among children during three recent influenza seasons and provided protection regardless of previous vaccination status, according to the results of a randomized clinical trial.

COVID-19 mitigation efforts prevented the spread of influenza and respiratory syncytial virus by almost 100% in northern Ohio, according to research presented at the American Academy of Pediatrics National Conference & Exhibition.

Although nearly 70% of U.S. adults said last year’s mild influenza season will not impact their decision to get a vaccine this year, many indicated they would continue pandemic-related precautions through the season, a survey found.

Staff members at the Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center said they found a way to improve influenza vaccine uptake among underrepresented populations.

Arkansas health officials reported COVID-19 case data during IDWeek that demonstrate the severe toll the delta variant has had on the state’s children.

Unlike influenza and respiratory syncytial virus, which all but disappeared during their typical winter peaks, common cold viruses continued to circulate among children during the COVID-19 pandemic, according to researchers at IDWeek.

The AAP on Tuesday released its annual influenza vaccine recommendations, which include some specific COVID-19-related guidance.

Over the course of 10 influenza seasons from 2009-2010 through 2018-2019, Black patients had the highest rate of influenza-associated hospitalization in the United States, researchers reported in JAMA Network Open.