At what age should preterm infants receive the influenza vaccine?

Preterm infants are at increased risk for complications from influenza, making timely vaccination essential for their protection. The recommended age for administering the influenza vaccine in preterm infants is 6 months. This recommendation aligns with general pediatric guidelines that suggest infants should receive the vaccine starting at 6 months of age, regardless of whether they were born preterm or full-term.

Vaccination at this age is critical since it helps to establish immunity before the onset of the influenza season. By vaccinating at 6 months, healthcare providers can ensure that infants begin to develop an adequate immune response to the influenza virus, thus reducing their likelihood of serious illness.

For preterm infants, factors such as health status, gestational age at birth, and any ongoing health issues should be considered, but the overarching guideline remains that influenza vaccination should begin at 6 months. Vaccination earlier, such as at 3 months, would not provide adequate immune protection, as the infant's immune system would not have matured sufficiently to respond effectively to the vaccine. Similarly, waiting until 12 months of age could leave these vulnerable infants exposed during a critical period for influenza infection, which is why 6 months is the optimal age to start vaccination.