Vaccination of children against seasonal flu

Overview

Influenza can occur in various clinical forms, from asymptomatic infection to fatal disease. Severe forms of the disease occur in the youngest children. In preschool and school-age children, influenza usually develops mildly, but these children are the most important spreaders of infection to other members of the community.

There are therefore two theoretical reasons for vaccinating children against influenza. First, the effort to protect individuals in whom the disease tends to develop severely, i.e. infants and toddlers under 2 years of age and children with severe immune disorders and/or significant comorbidities. Second, the effort to indirectly protect other members of the community, either members of the same household or –⁠ in the case of routine vaccination –⁠ all adults living in the community.

Vaccination does reduce the frequency and severity of influenza disease. However, the effectiveness of vaccination varies depending on different circumstances, so it is not possible to determine in advance its reliability for a specific individual. Even vaccinated children can get sick.

Studies have yielded conflicting results, but subsequent meta-analyses have shown that there is insufficient evidence of the benefits of routine vaccination of healthy children. Vaccination of children with severe immune disorders or significant comorbidities remains a valid indication. The decision to vaccinate children against influenza should therefore be individual, not routine. The requirement to vaccinate preschool children attending collective facilities remains a debatable issue.

Keywords:

influenza – child vaccination – herd immunity