December 29, 2008 Childhood vaccine schedule newly updated Play video

(NECN/ABC) - The American Academy of Pediatrics has updated the childhood vaccination schedule. A yearly flu shot is now recommended for all children aged six months and older, and the Academy is now calling for a second dose of the rotavirus vaccine to protect children against the leading cause of severe diarrhea.

The Academy also published a special article in response to concerns from parents about the safety of vaccines. It says that parents should not delay vaccinations or withhold vaccines from their children.

A large study previously found no additional health risks for children who received vaccines. Children who don't receive vaccines on schedule are at an increased risk for catching infectious diseases.

Young children who aren't vaccinated can also suffer severe injuries and even death. Before the pneumococcal vaccine became part of the schedule in 2000, there were an average of 200 deaths of children under five, every year in the U.S.

ABC's Jackie Hyland has more in this medical minute.

Source: Published in Pediatrics, the journal of the American Academy of Pediatrics.