https://services.aap.org/en/news-room/news-releases/aap/2020/american-academy-of-pediatrics-issues-2020-21-recommendations-on-preventing-influenza/?utm_source=STAT+Newsletters&utm_campaign=a9342f2cb1-MR_COPY_13&utm_medium=email&utm_term=0_8cab1d7961-a9342f2cb1-149692869

Experts stress the importance of getting a flu shot during the pandemic

As the American Academy of Pediatrics puts out its 2020-21 recommendations on preventing influenza, experts warn that flu vaccines are more important than ever given the continued transmission of Covid-19 and the possibility of hospitals becoming overwhelmed. “Children play a pivotal role in the transmission of influenza to others in their household. They can also get seriously ill from influenza without a vaccination,” said physician Flor Munoz, lead author of the recommendations, in a statement. In the past flu season, 188 minors died of influenza complications, according to the CDC, and about 80% of kids who die tend to be unvaccinated. The recommendations emphasize that everyone over 6 months of age, including pregnant women, should be immunized, ideally by the end of October.