Influenza is a very serious disease that kills on average, nearly 100 children younger than five years of age in the U.S. every year.  More than 20,000 children under the age of five are hospitalized annually due to the flu.  Since August 30, 2009, the CDC has received reports of 262 influenza-associated pediatric deaths due to both H1N1 and seasonal flu during the current flu season.  Annual vaccination is safe and effective and is the single best way to help prevent the number of illnesses and deaths caused by influenza in people of all age groups.

"Prevention from the flu is only as good as the number of people who actually get vaccinated," said Laura Scott, Executive Director of FFF.  "We hope now with this recommendation in place starting next flu season that all family members will get vaccinated against the flu every year to help reduce the serious risks associated with the virus, especially among children."

SOURCE Families Fighting Flu (FFF)