At what age is the influenza vaccine first recommended?

The influenza vaccine is first recommended for children at 6 months of age. This recommendation is made because young children are at a higher risk of severe illness from influenza and vaccination helps to protect them as well as reduce the spread of the virus within the community. The vaccine is designed to boost the immune response and provide protection from the various strains of the influenza virus that circulate annually. Timing the administration of the vaccine at 6 months ensures that children receive the benefit of this protection before the peak influenza season begins, generally in the fall and winter months. Vaccination practices are based on extensive research and public health guidelines aimed at minimizing the impact of influenza in vulnerable populations.