AAP — the American Academy of Pediatrics — recommended the flu vaccine for kids six months and older to prevent severe illness, even death, during this upcoming influenza season. That’s not a change for the pediatricians, it’s a re-emphasis.

The public recommendation came after more than 100 children died during the 2016-17 flu season, Medscape reported, with 80 percent of those not receiving the flu vaccine.

The pediatricians said there were thousands of other children who were hospitalized due to serious illness brought on by the flu, which is why the flu shot is so highly recommended.

"Getting a flu shot as soon as the vaccine is available in your community should be on every parent's checklist, along with other back-to-school routines," said recommendation co-author Flor Munoz. "We know that the flu should not be taken lightly. Everyone in the household, including pregnant women, grandparents, and child care providers, should be vaccinated to help prevent its spread."

The AAP's Committee on Infectious Diseases issued a policy statement ahead of the 2017-18 flue season, hoping parents will make flu vaccines a top priority and that pediatricians will be better equipped to identify children with the flu, per AAP News & Journals Gateway.

The policy statement noted several conditions that could put infants and adolescents at a higher risk of falling victim to influenza, including asthma, diabetes mellitus, sickle cell, and immunosuppression.

The statement said not just pregnant women, but those considering pregnancy and women who are still breastfeeding should receive the vaccine as well.

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