Recommendations for Prevention and Control of Influenza in Children, 2025-2026: Policy Statement

This statement updates the recommendations of the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) for the use of influenza vaccines and antiviral medications in the prevention and treatment of influenza in children during the 2025-2026 influenza season. A review of the evidence supporting these recommendations is in the accompanying technical report (https://doi.org/10.1542/peds.2025-073622). The AAP recommends annual influenza vaccination of all children without medical contraindications starting at 6 months of age. Influenza vaccination is an important strategy for protecting children and the broader community as well as reducing the overall burden of respiratory illnesses when other viruses are cocirculating. Any licensed influenza vaccine appropriate for age and health status can be administered, as soon as possible in the season, without preference for one product or formulation. Antiviral treatment of influenza is recommended for children with suspected or confirmed influenza who are hospitalized or have severe or progressive disease or have underlying conditions that increase their risk of complications of influenza. In this situation, antiviral treatment should be started as soon as possible regardless of duration of illness. Antiviral treatment is an option in the outpatient setting for other children with suspected or confirmed influenza in some circumstances. Antiviral chemoprophylaxis is an option in certain individuals, especially exposed children who are asymptomatic and are at high risk for influenza complications but have not yet been immunized or those who are not expected to mount an effective immune response.