While the death rate from the flu peaks in those 65 and older, the rate of hospital stays for kids age 2 and younger is as high as that for the elderly and for younger adults with underlying medical conditions. One of every 100 flu patients younger than 2 winds up in the hospital.

“The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) now is encouraging parents of healthy children 6 to 24 months old to have their children vaccinated against influenza,” says Dr. Jane Siegel, an infectious disease specialist on the medical staff at Children’s Medical Center Dallas. “The number of hospitalizations means that even healthy kids in this age group are considered high risk.” The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention joins the AAP in this stand.

Another benefit of flu shots is a decrease in ear infections and in the use of antibiotics.

Doctors say children 6 to 24 months of age who have never received the influenza vaccine should get two full doses of vaccine one month apart. Influenza vaccine is not licensed for use in children younger than 6 months of age.

“The best protection for a child less than 6 months old is for the adults and others around the baby to be vaccinated against the flu so the illness is not spread,” Dr. Siegel says.

Doctors also advise flu shots for pregnant women who will be in their second or third trimesters during the flu season because pregnant women have as many complications from influenza as nonpregnant adults with underlying cardiopulmonary disease. Flu shots are safe for breastfeeding mothers, Dr. Siegel says.

A baby with the flu can run a temperature, taken rectally, of 104 to 105 degrees. When this high fever occurs, it is best to call your pediatrician.