AAP flu vaccine recommendations renew annual shots for children 6 months and older
The AAP’s 2026-27 guidance calls for annual flu vaccination from 6 months, with no preferred eligible vaccine product.
By Priya Raghavan · Science Reporter
3 min read
The American Academy of Pediatrics has renewed its recommendation that children aged 6 months and older receive a flu vaccine each year, provided they have no medical contraindications. The AAP flu vaccine recommendations for the 2026-27 season matter as families begin planning seasonal immunizations and clinicians prepare for flu activity.
The academy issued a policy statement and companion technical report online in Pediatrics on Aug. 10, according to Medical Xpress, which reported on the guidance. The recommendation continues the age threshold used in the AAP’s 2025-26 guidance, rather than creating a new eligibility group, according to AAP News.
What do the AAP flu vaccine recommendations say for children?
The AAP recommends annual influenza vaccination beginning at 6 months for children without medical contraindications, Medical Xpress reported. It does not favor one licensed vaccine product or formulation over another when the vaccine is appropriate for the child’s age and health status.
Vaccine suitability can differ by age and medical history. The CDC says flu shots are approved for people 6 months and older, while the nasal-spray vaccine is approved for ages 2 through 49 but is not recommended for pregnant people or those with certain underlying conditions.
Vaccination may begin as soon as possible in the season, according to the AAP guidance reported by Medical Xpress. For most people who need one dose, September and October are generally good times to be vaccinated, and the CDC says vaccination can still offer protection later while influenza viruses continue to circulate.
Some children require two doses in a season. In those cases, the CDC says the first dose should be given when vaccine becomes available because the second dose must follow at least four weeks later.
Which children face a higher risk from flu?
Children younger than 5, particularly those younger than 2, have a higher risk of potentially serious flu complications, the CDC says. The same is true for children of any age with certain chronic health conditions; the AAP also identifies children and adolescents with underlying conditions as higher-risk groups.
The AAP reported that 49.4% of children ages 6 months through 17 years had received a flu vaccine by May 16, 2026. It characterized the 2025-26 flu season as high severity for children, according to Medical Xpress.
The academy’s vaccine guidance is separate from treatment for a child who becomes ill. It recommends antiviral treatment for children with suspected or confirmed influenza who are hospitalized or have severe or worsening disease, Medical Xpress reported. High-risk children treated outside a hospital should be offered antivirals as soon as possible, regardless of how long they have been sick or whether they were vaccinated.
Annual vaccination is intended to reduce the risk of flu and its serious complications. For a child’s appropriate product, dose schedule or possible contraindications, families should consult a health care professional.
This story draws on original reporting from Medical Xpress.