CDC advises flu shots for children as flu rages on in Utah

KSL Newsradio and AP reportingFor the next flu season, every child in America is advised to get a flu shot. Not everyone thinks that's a good idea.

Some doctors say they are worried about the flu vaccine's effectiveness and costs. Some parents are worried about side effects and risks of a flu vaccine.

Curtis Allen, spokesman for the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), says it is a recommendation, not a requirement. "We would recommend that, for any medical condition that, a parent talk with their health care provider, and if they have concerns, look at the options," he said.

Allen says the CDC now recommends every child and teenager should get a flu shot starting with next flu season. Right now, the recommendations are for children under age 5.

Meanwhile, health officials say Utah's bout with the flu this season may be far from over.

Cathy McCabe is now back at work after several days on and off because of the flu. "I was in bed for a week, and then I tried to come back, and then I went back home. It's been very hard to work this week," she said.

McCabe was officially diagnosed with the bug, the one that did not match what was in the flu shot she received earlier this year. She says she's surprised how severe her case was, saying it was far worse on her husband who has asthma.

At least 220 Utahns have been hospitalized with the flu since late last year, compared to 143 at this time during the previous flu season.

Many of those flu victims are 65 or older or children 5 years old and under. A nursing home in Salt Lake County recently reported four flu-related deaths.

(The Associated Press contributed to this report. Copyright 2008 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)

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