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The Article in Brief
Impact of Repeated Influenza Immunization on Respiratory Illness in Children With Preexisting Medical Conditions
Marieke L.A. de Hoog , and colleagues
Background Recent evidence suggests that repeated inactivated influenza vaccine immunization throughout childhood may impair long-term immunity against influenza. This study assessed whether, in children with pre-existing medical conditions, prior immunization altered the effect of inactivated influenza vaccine on respiratory illness episodes diagnosed in primary care during the influenza season.
What This Study Found Repeated inactivated influenza vaccine immunization in children with pre-existing medical conditions has no negative impact on, and may even enhance, long-term protection against respiratory illness. This study, conducted in the Netherlands, examined data for 4,183 children aged 6 months to 18 years with pre-existing conditions who received inactivated influenza vaccine at least once from 2004-2015. Adjusted estimates showed lower odds for respiratory illness in immunized children with prior inactivated influenza vaccine compared to children immunized for the first time.
Implications
- These findings suggest that there is residual protection from earlier inactivated influenza vaccinations. This is particularly relevant for children with pre-existing medical conditions who receive inactivated influenza vaccines repeatedly during childhood.