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Influenza vaccination in children with neurologic or neurodevelopmental disorders
Michael Smith1, Georgina Peacock2, Timothy M Uyeki3
1Department of Pediatrics, University of Louisville School of Medicine, United States.
Insights
Influenza vaccination rates in children with neurologic disorders are suboptimal, similar to healthy children. Increased education for parents and healthcare providers on the benefits of annual flu shots is crucial.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Health
- Vaccinology
- Public Health
Background:
- Children with neurologic or neurodevelopmental disorders (NNDDs) face higher risks of influenza complications.
- Despite recognition of NNDDs as high-risk by the ACIP since 2005, vaccination practices remain understudied.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess influenza vaccination rates and parental intent among children with NNDDs.
- To evaluate healthcare providers' recognition of NNDDs as high-risk for influenza complications.
Main Methods:
- Surveys of parents of children with chronic conditions, including NNDDs.
- Surveys of pediatricians caring for high-risk children.
- Analysis of vaccination status, parental intent, and physician recognition of high-risk conditions.
Main Results:
- 50% of children with an NNDD were vaccinated or intended for vaccination.
- NNDD presence was not significantly associated with vaccination, unlike respiratory conditions or prior vaccination.
- Physician recognition of high-risk conditions varied, with cerebral palsy recognized by 74% but epilepsy and intellectual disability by less than 51%.
Conclusions:
- Influenza vaccination rates in children with NNDDs are suboptimal and comparable to healthy children.
- There is a need for enhanced education for parents and healthcare providers regarding the importance and benefits of annual influenza vaccination for children with NNDDs.
Background:
Children with neurologic or neurodevelopmental disorders (NNDDs) are at increased risk of complications from influenza. Although the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) has recognized NNDDs as high-risk conditions for influenza complications since 2005, little is known about influenza vaccination practices in this population.
Methods:
CDC collaborated with Family Voices, a national advocacy group for children with special healthcare needs, to recruit parents of children with chronic medical conditions. Parents were surveyed about their knowledge, attitudes, and practices surrounding influenza vaccination. The primary outcome of interest was parental report of vaccination, or intent to vaccinate, at the time of survey participation. CDC also collaborated with the American Academy of Pediatrics to recruit primary care and specialty physicians who provide care for high-risk children, specifically those with neurologic conditions. The primary outcome was physician recognition of ACIP high-risk influenza conditions.
Results:
2138 surveys were completed by parents of children with high-risk conditions, including 1143 with at least one NNDD. Overall, 50% of children with an NNDD were vaccinated, or their parents planned to have them vaccinated against influenza. Among all 2138 children, in multivariable analysis, the presence of a respiratory condition and prior seasonal influenza vaccination was significantly associated with receipt or planned current season influenza vaccination, but the presence of an NNDD was not. 412 pediatricians completed the provider survey. Cerebral palsy was recognized as a high-risk influenza condition by 74% of physician respondents, but epilepsy (51%) and intellectual disability (46%) were less commonly identified.
Conclusions:
Our estimates of influenza vaccination in children with NNDDs are comparable to published reports of vaccination in healthy children, which continue to be suboptimal. Education of parents of children with NNDDs and healthcare providers about influenza and the benefit of annual influenza vaccination is needed.
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