RICHMOND (AP) -- Virginia officials want almost all children to get flu shots.

The Virginia Department of Health said Monday kids from age 6 months to 18 years should get vaccinated against influenza. The agency says the recommendation reflects new guidance from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention that kids from 5 to 18 get flu shots, not just youngsters from 6 months through 4 years of age.

State Health Commissioner Karen Remley says the expanded recommendation covers 1.3 million school-age kids in Virginia. While older kids don't get as sick as infants and toddlers, Remley says they catch the flu at higher rates.

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