The American Academy of Pediatrics says all children should receive a flu vaccine as soon as possible.

The association says children six months of age and older should get a flu shot to reduce the risk of severe illness.

According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the 2017-2018 flu season was one of the most severe on record.

Last flu season, 179 children died from flu-related causes, and 80 percent of them had not been vaccinated.