Prevention and Control of Influenza in Children, 2026–2027

Document Overview

Document Title

Prevention and Control of Influenza in Children

Authoring Society

American Academy of Pediatrics

Document Publication Date

Aug 10, 2026

Page Last Reviewed/Updated

Aug 10, 2026

Document Type

Consensus Statement

Country of Publication

United States

Full Text Freely Available

Yes

Full Text Guideline

publications.aap.org/pediatrics/article/doi/10.1542/peds.2026-078778/208572/Recommendations-for-Prevention-and-Control-of

Source Citation

Committee on Infectious Diseases. “Recommendations for Prevention and Control of Influenza in Children, 2026-2027: Policy Statement.” Pediatrics, 10.1542/peds.2026-078778. 10 Aug. 2026, doi:10.1542/peds.2026-078778

Supplemental Implementation Resources

• Patient Information

Document Scope, Criteria, and Use Cases

Document Objectives

This statement updates recommendations of the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) for use of influenza vaccines and antiviral medications in prevention and treatment of influenza in children during the 2026–2027 influenza season. The AAP recommends annual influenza vaccination of all children without medical contraindications starting at 6 months of age. Influenza vaccination is an important strategy for protecting children and the broader community as well as reducing the overall burden of respiratory illnesses when other viruses are cocirculating. Any licensed influenza vaccine appropriate for age and health status can be administered, as soon as possible in the season, without preference for one product or formulation. Antiviral treatment of influenza may reduce the duration of symptoms; reduce complications, including hospitalization and death; and potentially reduce transmission. The AAP recommends antiviral treatment for children with suspected or confirmed influenza who are hospitalized or have severe or progressive disease. In ambulatory settings, antiviral treatment should be offered to children who are at high risk of complications from influenza, including those with chronic medical conditions and immunocompromised patients. In all these situations, antiviral treatment should be started as soon as possible regardless of duration of illness or receipt of influenza vaccine. Antiviral treatment is an option in the ambulatory setting for all children with suspected or confirmed influenza. Antiviral chemoprophylaxis is an option in certain individuals, especially exposed children who are asymptomatic and are at high risk for influenza complications but have not yet been immunized or, if immunized, those who are not expected to mount an effective immune response.

Scope

Prevention, Treatment

Diseases/Conditions (MeSH)

D007252 - Influenza Vaccines

D007251 - Influenza, Human

Keywords

influenza, influenza vaccines, pediatric influenza, pediatric vaccines

Target Patient Population

Children and adolescents who have influenza and/or who may be eligible to receive influenza vaccinations

Target Provider Population

Pediatricians and other clinicians caring for children

Inclusion Criteria

Male, Female, Adolescent, Child, Infant

Health Care Settings

Ambulatory, Childcare Center, School

Intended Users

Nurse, Nurse Practitioner, Physician, Physician Assistant

Recommendation Development Processes & Methodology

Supplemental Methodology Resource

Technical Report

Number of Source Documents

27

Includes peer/external review process?

Yes

Includes public comment process?

No

Methodologist involvement?

No

Patient involvement?

No

Includes multi-disciplinary group?

Yes

Includes systematic review?

No

Grades quality of strength of evidence?

No

Grades quality of strength of recommendation?

No

Discloses funding source?

Yes

Discloses conflicts of interest?

Yes