Influenza (flu) viruses typically spread in the fall and winter, with activity peaking between December and February. Ensuring patients receive routine vaccinations is crucial to keeping communities healthy.
Given the timing of the flu season, it is important to focus on immunizations early in the fall and winter months. Due to the changing nature of the CDC/ACIP recommendations, it is recommended that clinicians review guidelines for each flu season to determine appropriateness of various vaccine formulations.
For quality reporting, the influenza vaccine is a component of the Childhood Immunization Status quality measure. This measure is defined as:
Percentage of children 2 years of age who had four diphtheria, tetanus and acellular pertussis (DTaP); three polio (IPV), one measles, mumps, and rubella (MMA); three or four H influenza type B (Hib); three hepatitis B (Hep B); one chicken pox (VZV); four pneumococcal conjugate (PCV); one hepatitis A (Hep A); two or three rotavirus (RV); and two influenza (flu) vaccines by their second birthday.
Childhood vaccines safeguard kids from serious, potentially life-threatening illnesses during the stage of life when they are most vulnerable. The CDC’s Child and Adolescent Immunization Schedule by Age provides guidance on recommended vaccines by age, intervals for catch-up, new or updated ACIP guidance, and additional recommendations for medical conditions, other indications, special situations, and contraindications/precautions.
For free flu communication resources to share with your patients, visit https://www.cdc.gov/flu/resource-center/index.htm.
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