Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 22, 2026
A Luciferase-fluorescent Reporter Influenza Virus for Live Imaging and Quantification of Viral Infection
Published on: August 14, 2019
Does influenza vaccination improve pediatric asthma outcomes?
Bruce A Ong1, Joseph Forester, Andre Fallot
1Department of Aviation Medicine, Hunter Army Airfield, Building 1257, North Lightning Road, Savannah, GA 31419, USA. bruce.ong@us.army.mil
Insights
Annual influenza vaccination may reduce asthma exacerbations in children. This study found that vaccinated children experienced fewer oral steroid prescriptions and emergency visits, suggesting a protective effect.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Asthma Management
- Vaccine Efficacy Studies
- Respiratory Health
Background:
- Influenza vaccination is recommended for children with asthma, but evidence supporting its effectiveness in preventing asthma exacerbations is limited.
- Previous studies have shown mixed results regarding the benefits of influenza immunization on asthma outcomes in pediatric populations.
- This research investigates the association between influenza vaccination and asthma morbidity indicators in military children.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine if influenza vaccination status is linked to reduced asthma morbidity in pediatric patients.
- To evaluate the impact of influenza immunization on asthma exacerbations, including oral steroid use and healthcare utilization.
- To provide evidence-based recommendations for influenza vaccination in children with asthma.
Main Methods:
- A survey-based study was conducted on 80 children aged 3-18 with asthma at military medical centers.
- Data collected included vaccination status, oral steroid prescriptions, hospital visits, and emergency/clinic visits for asthma symptoms.
- Statistical analyses, including univariate and multivariate logistic regression, were used to assess associations and control for confounding variables.
Main Results:
- Current influenza vaccination was significantly associated with reduced oral steroid use in the preceding 12 months.
- A lesser, but still appreciated, association was found with fewer emergency or unscheduled clinic visits.
- Multivariate analysis confirmed that influenza vaccination was independently linked to decreased odds of oral steroid use, with no evidence of confounding.
Conclusions:
- Influenza vaccination appears to be associated with fewer asthma exacerbations in pediatric patients.
- The study suggests a protective effect of influenza vaccine against indicators of asthma exacerbations, even after accounting for confounding factors.
- Annual influenza vaccination may benefit children with asthma within the military beneficiary population.
Objective:
Controversy exists regarding the effectiveness of influenza vaccination in preventing influenza-related asthma exacerbations in the pediatric population. While yearly influenza immunization is widely recommended for children with asthma, there is currently little evidence to support this practice. Several studies have demonstrated no measurable benefit in asthma outcomes. This study sought to determine whether influenza vaccination status is associated with indicators of asthma morbidity within the military pediatric population.
Methods:
A survey was conducted of patients 3 to 18 years of age with a diagnosis of asthma enrolled in the pediatric clinics of Brooke Army Medical Center, Fort Sam Houston, Texas, and Wilford Hall Medical Center, Lackland Air Force Base, Texas. Management practices and outcomes for 80 children were evaluated. Data were analyzed using the statistical package SPSS version 12 (SPSS Inc., Chicago). Univariate analyses were performed to identify associations between influenza vaccination, selected demographic variables and asthma exacerbation defined by oral steroid prescription, hospital visits, and unscheduled clinic or emergency department visits for asthma symptoms. Logistic regression analyses were conducted to detect possible confounding variables.
Results:
In the univariate analyses, current influenza vaccination status was associated with a significant reduction of oral steroid use in the 12 months before the survey. This relationship was appreciated to a lesser extent with emergency department or unscheduled clinic visits in the last 12 months. No significant differences were found regarding the distribution of influenza vaccination status across selected demographic variables. In the multivariate analyses, current influenza vaccination status was independently associated with significantly decreased odds of using oral steroids in the previous 12 months. There was no evidence of confounding or effect modification.
Conclusions:
This study suggests influenza vaccination is associated with fewer asthma exacerbations. After controlling for several potential confounding variables, administration of influenza vaccine was associated with a protective effect against indicators of asthma exacerbations. Our results indicate that children with asthma in the military beneficiary population may benefit from annual influenza vaccination.
Related Concept Videos
01:51Vaccinations
01:30Asthma-IV: Diagnostic and Management
Clinical Assessment for Asthma:
This is the first step in diagnosing and managing asthma. It includes:
01:30Asthma-IV: Nursing Management
First, in...
01:27Influenza
01:13Asthma III: Clinical Manifestations
01:20Asthma: Pathogenesis and Management
Asthma is classified as allergic and non-allergic. Allergens such as dust mites, pollen, and pet dander trigger allergic asthma, while factors like cold air, intense emotions, or exercise can induce non-allergic asthma.