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Influenza vaccination in children with chronic rheumatic diseases and long-term immunosuppressive therapy

F Kanakoudi-Tsakalidou1, M Trachana, P Pratsidou-Gertsi

  • 1A'Department of Pediatrics, Influenza Reference Center, Aristotle University, Thessaloniki, Greece. flkan@med.auth.gr

Clinical and Experimental Rheumatology
|October 3, 2001
PubMed

Insights

Children with chronic rheumatic diseases (CRD) on immunosuppressants safely receive influenza vaccines, mounting an immune response similar to healthy children. This vaccination is effective and well-tolerated, regardless of treatment or disease type.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatric Rheumatology
  • Immunology
  • Vaccinology

Background:

  • Children with chronic rheumatic diseases (CRD) often require long-term immunosuppressive therapy.
  • Assessing influenza vaccine immunogenicity and safety in this vulnerable population is crucial for preventing severe illness.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To evaluate the immunogenicity, safety, and efficacy of influenza vaccination in pediatric patients with CRD undergoing immunosuppressive treatment.
  • To compare vaccine response across different therapeutic regimens and disease types.

Main Methods:

  • Seventy children with CRD and five healthy siblings received a split-type influenza vaccine.
  • Clinical and laboratory evaluations were conducted at baseline and follow-up points (1, 3, 6 months).
  • Antibody titers against influenza antigens (A/Beijing, A/Sydney, B/Beijing) were measured using hemagglutination inhibition assay before and one month post-vaccination.

Main Results:

  • High seroprotection rates were achieved: 97.14% for A/Beijing, 100% for A/Sydney, and 80% for B/Beijing.
  • Adverse reactions were minimal (local or systemic in 5 patients, local in 1 sibling).
  • No significant differences in antibody titers were observed based on therapeutic regimen, age, or CRD type (JIA, SLE).

Conclusions:

  • Influenza vaccination is immunogenic and safe in children with CRD on immunosuppressive therapy.
  • Vaccine response is comparable to healthy children and not significantly affected by treatment or disease characteristics.
  • Influenza vaccination should be recommended for children with CRD to prevent influenza and its complications.
Abstract

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