Through with the flu: how free family and caregiver immunization protects sick neonates.

Newborns represent the pediatric population most at risk for influenza-related morbidity and mortality, especially premature newborns and those with chronic disease. Compounding this problem is the fact that influenza immunizations are ineffective until 6 months of age. This article describes a successful program that follows the "cocoon" theory of immunization.