7 Healthcast: Flu shots

Every child from six months to eighteen years old needs the flu vaccine, a federal panel said today. New studies show it reduced hospital visits 75 percent for toddlers and preschoolers, and could do the same for older kids. There's a special requirement though for children under 9.

"If it's the first year they've gotten influenza vaccine, those children need a second dose," said Dr.Anne Schuchat from CDC.

About 100 kids die of the flu every year. Experts say it can spread like wildfire among students.

"They are, if you will, the term 'Typhoid Mary' - they are the transmitters who bring it to the community," said Duke University Medical Center Dr.Samuel Katz.

The CDC is hoping less flu in kids will mean less flu for parents and less time off work.

A study funded by Manufacturer Medimmune found when the vaccine is offered in schools families report about a quarter less flu.

"They weren't as sick, they didn't stay home from school, and their parents and their siblings had less influenza disease," said Frank Malinoski from Med Immune.

School nurses say each district will have to decide whether to offer the vaccine at school but there are other options.

"Young children are already in their doctors offices regularly for well-child checkups. That can happen in their offices as well," said Donna Maczyk from the National Association of School Nurses.

The CDC is expected to approve this recommendation. With another 30-million more children likely looking for a flu shot by 2010, manufacturers are ready to increase production.

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