[Effectiveness of vaccination against influenza in children: is it time for another policy?]

A recent study found no protective effect of influenza vaccination on the frequency of respiratory tract infections in children with pre-existing medical conditions in the Netherlands, based on a retrospective primary care database review. Rightfully, the investigators did not conclude that influenza vaccination for children with pre-existing medical conditions is not effective, but that more information is needed about the effects of influenza vaccination on severe influenza and hospitalisations. Another strategy could be to vaccinate all children against influenza. A recent meta-analysis showed that vaccinating all children against influenza reduced influenza related hospitalizations. The Dutch Health Council is currently re-evaluating influenza vaccination in children. Herd immunity and therefore indirect protection of high risk groups should be taken into consideration when evaluating cost-effectiveness of this strategy.