New recommendations are set for the flu shot.

Diane McGowan, Son Died from the Flu, "It was very quick, we did not even know he was sick."

It didn't even take a day for the flu to kill 15 year old Martin McGowan.

Diane McGowan, "Within 16 hours, his heart failed on the operating table."

Diane McGowan set up the M.A.R.T.I.N. Flu Foundation in the name of her son to help educate other parents about the flu vaccine.

She spoke with the West Virginia Immunization Network about the new recommendation of flu shots for all children 6 months to 18 years.

State immunization program director Jeff Neccuzi says flu shots are a good idea.

Jeff Neccuzi, Immunization Director, "Influenza virus is easily transmitted through the school system where the children, teachers are very close quarters."

Neccuzi also says changing the recommendations will up the number of vaccines made so more will be available.

In the past, the shot was only recommended for young children and senior citizens.

Neccuzi says you can't get the flu from the vaccine but it can prevent you and others from the disease.

Jeff Nuccuzi, "The more people we protect from the flu the more disease we reduce in general."

Flu and pneumonia is the 7th leading cause of death in the Mountain State.

McGowan says a moment of pain is a small price for a life.

Diane McGowan, "If I would have gotten him a flu shot I could have saved his life."