Prevention and Control of Seasonal Influenza with Vaccines: Recommendations of the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices — United States, 2013–2014

Influenza viruses typically circulate widely in the United States annually from the late fall through early spring.

Although most persons who become infected with influenza viruses will recover without sequelae, influenza can cause serious illness and death, particularly among persons aged ≥65 years and <2 years and those with medical conditions that confer high risk for complications from influenza (1–4). During 30 seasons from the 1976–77 season through the 2005–06 season, estimated influenza-associated deaths ranged from 3,000 to 49,000 annually (4).

Annual influenza vaccination is the primary means of preventing influenza and its complications. There are many types of influenza vaccines, and the naming conventions have evolved over time (Box). Routine annual influenza vaccination for all persons aged ≥6 months who do not have contraindications has been recommended by the CDC and CDC’s Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) since 2010 (5 ). This report provides updated recommendations and guidance for vaccination providers regarding the use of influenza vaccines for the 2013–14 season.

Artículo completo: http://www.cdc.gov/mmwr/preview/mmwrhtml/rr6207a1.htm?s_cid=rr6207a1_e