For the first time ever, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has recommended flu shots for all children from 6 months to 18 years old. The goal is to decrease the number of hospitalizations and deaths in children attributed to influenza each year.

To increase vaccination rates, the CDC has launched a new effort to encourage more parents to vaccinate healthy children against influenza. The campaign includes a documentary called "Why Flu Vaccination Matters: Personal Stories From Families Affected By Influenza." The video, which has been posted on YouTube, features parents who've lost a child to the flu sharing their tragic experiences.

The CDC also hosted a webinar for so-called “mommy bloggers” to discuss basic information on seasonal flu and share research on key messages. The agency is urging these bloggers to "spread the word, not the flu.”

Another component of the campaign is free e-cards. The electronic cards are designed to be sent to family and friends to encourage them to get their children vaccinated.

In addition to children over 6 months, the CDC also recommends flu shots for people 50 and older, pregnant women, patients with chronic diseases or a weakened immune system, nursing home residents, health care workers, and people who live with people suffering from chronic diseases or children younger than 5.

To learn more about influenza, click here.

To watch the CDC documentary on YouTube, click here.

To send a flu shot e-card, click here.