“Influenza can cause severe and life threatening illness in children”. World-wide influenza infection results in 870,000 hospitalizations and 34,800 children’s deaths (estimated) Though the US Advisory Committee on Immunization Practice (ACIP) recommends annual vaccination for all persons aged >6 months, only 38-62% of children (<18 years of age) are vaccinated yearly against influenza.
While previous studies have demonstrated the effectiveness of influenza vaccination in reducing influenza-associated hospitalizations, information regarding its ability to reduce the risk of life-threatening illness or death is scarce.
A study (at the start of the 2019-2020 influenza season) assessed vaccine effectiveness (VE) against critical acute respiratory life-threatening illness outcomes in 329 children infected with 2 mismatched antigenic and changing influenza viruses.
Flu vaccine effectiveness (overall) against critical illness from any influenza virus is 63%, and protection does not differ by age group or full vs. partial vaccination.
Flu vaccination of all children would “lead to appreciable reductions” in critical illness and death worldwide.
