Routine use of influenza vaccine and antiviral medications in the prevention and treatment of influenza in children during the 2022–2023 influenza season is detailed in a policy statement from the Committee on Infectious Diseases of the American Academy of Pediatrics. Starting at 6 months of age, infants and children without medical contraindications can receive any licensed influenza vaccine appropriate for age and health status, AAP said, “ideally as soon as possible in the season, without preference for one product or formulation over another.”
The statement provides this advice for use of oral, inhaled, and injectable agents such as zanamivir, peramivir, and baloxavir: “Antiviral treatment of influenza with any US Food and Drug Administration-approved, age-appropriate influenza antiviral medication is recommended for children with suspected or confirmed influenza who are hospitalized, have severe or progressive disease, or have underlying conditions that increase their risk of complications of influenza, regardless of duration of illness. Antiviral treatment should be initiated as soon as possible. Antiviral treatment may be considered in the outpatient setting for symptomatic children with suspected or confirmed influenza disease who are not at high risk for influenza complications, if treatment can be initiated within 48 hours of illness onset, and for children with suspected or confirmed influenza disease whose siblings or household contacts either are younger than 6 months or have a high-risk condition that predisposes them to complications of influenza. Antiviral chemoprophylaxis is recommended for the prevention of influenza virus infection as an adjunct to vaccination in certain individuals, especially exposed children who are at high risk for influenza complications but have not yet been immunized or who lack a sufficient immune response.”