like illness actually tested positive for the flu virus. The rest were likely caused by some other infection. The committee also recommended that household contacts such as siblings, parents and caregivers of all children 6 months to 5 years of age be immunized against influenza. Many studies have found that adult vaccination rates for influenza fall well short of guidelines in the United States. Fewer than half the 185 million Americans who are supposed to get flu shots actually ever do. This is complicated by frequent shortages of influenza shots and trouble distributing them. Vaccine makers have dropped out of the market, citing uncertainty, difficulty making the vaccine and fear of lawsuits. The CDC hopes that by broadening the groups vaccinated, vaccine makers will be encouraged to get back into the business. Baker said vaccinating children may also benefit other people. These children are significant spreaders of influenza within the household, she said.
