Young Children Should Get Flu Shots, Panel Says

A government panel decided to encourage flu shots for children ages 6 months to 23 months--a group not previously on the recommended list for the vaccine.

The government currently recommends the vaccine only for the elderly, the chronically ill and pregnant women, although it is available to others who want it.

But the immunization panel of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention in Atlanta said new research shows 6- to 23-month-olds are at increased risk for flu-related hospitalizations.

Before making a full recommendation, the panel wants to study the effect on providers and parents.