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Protection of young children from influenza through universal vaccination
Nicola Principi1, Laura Senatore1, Susanna Esposito1
1a Pediatric Highly Intensive Care Unit; Department of Pathophysiology and Transplantation ; Università degli Studi di Milano; Fondazione IRCCS Ca' Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico ; Milan , Italy.
Insights
Universal influenza vaccination is recommended for children aged 6 months and older, as current vaccines provide sufficient protection. Maternal vaccination during pregnancy offers protection for younger infants.
Area of Science:
- Pediatrics
- Immunology
- Public Health
Background:
- Influenza significantly impacts infants and children, causing clinical and socioeconomic burdens.
- Many European health authorities hesitate to adopt universal pediatric influenza vaccination due to perceived poor vaccine efficacy.
- Current influenza vaccines are under scrutiny for their effectiveness in the pediatric population.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the efficacy of current influenza vaccines in children.
- To address the reluctance of some European health authorities regarding universal pediatric influenza vaccination.
- To explore alternative vaccination strategies for infants too young to be vaccinated.
Main Methods:
- This study is a review of existing literature on influenza vaccination in pediatric populations.
- Analysis of data on vaccine immunogenicity, efficacy, and impact on disease burden.
- Evaluation of maternal vaccination as a strategy for infant protection.
Main Results:
- Available influenza vaccines provide adequate protection for most children aged 6 months and older.
- Despite limitations, current vaccines reduce the overall burden of influenza in young children.
- Maternal vaccination during pregnancy is an effective method to protect younger infants.
Conclusions:
- Universal influenza vaccination for children aged 6 months and above is justified.
- Further research may enhance vaccine immunogenicity and efficacy.
- Maternal immunization is a key strategy for protecting infants under 6 months.
Abstract:
Influenza is a very common disease among infants and young children, with a considerable clinical and socioeconomic impact. A significant number of health authorities presently recommend universal influenza vaccination for the pediatric population, but a large number of European health authorities is still reluctant to include influenza vaccination in their national vaccination programs. The reasons for this reluctance include the fact that the protection offered by the currently available vaccines is considered poor. This review shows that although future research could lead to an increase in the immunogenicity and potential efficacy of influenza vaccines, the available vaccines, even with their limits, assure sufficient protection in most subjects aged ≥ 6 months, thus reducing the total burden of influenza in young children and justifying the recommendation for the universal vaccination of the whole pediatric population. For younger subjects, the vaccination of their mother during pregnancy represents an efficacious strategy.
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