| ■ Flu Shots for Young Children in U.S. Delayed | 06.10.23 |
| A manufacturer's shipping delay means American children ages six months to 3 years old won't be able to get their flu shots until November and December, the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) announced Monday. The delay was announced by Sanofi Pasteur, the only maker of injectable flu vaccine (FluZone) approved for children ages 3 and younger. There will be an adequate amount of the vaccine, but pediatricians will have to wait until November or December to receive the bulk of their supply, the AAP said. Through pediatricians, the AAP is distributing letters to parents explaining the delay and urging them to bring their young children back later in the year for their flu shots. The flu season doesn't peak until late December through March, so children still benefit even if they get the flu shot later than normal, the AAP said. Experts say that flu shots are especially important for children ages 6 months to five years, people 50 and older, nursing homes residents, and people with certain chronic medical conditions. All these groups are at high risk of complications from the flu, the Associated Press reported. |