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Updated: Oct 23, 2025
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Influenza immunization coverage of children with sickle cell disease
Hannah K Peng1, Kevin J Dombkowski1, Gary L Freed1
1Susan B. Meister Child Health Evaluation and Research (CHEAR) Center, Department of Pediatrics, University of Michigan, 300 N Ingalls St, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA.
Insights
Children with sickle cell disease (SCD) are more likely to receive annual flu immunizations. However, over half of these children still remain unimmunized, highlighting a critical gap in preventive care.
Area of Science:
- Pediatrics
- Immunology
- Hematology
Background:
- Annual influenza vaccination is crucial for children, especially those with chronic health conditions like sickle cell disease (SCD).
- Understanding immunization rates in vulnerable pediatric populations is essential for public health strategies.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the uptake of annual flu immunizations in children diagnosed with sickle cell disease (SCD).
- To compare flu vaccination rates between children with and without SCD.
Main Methods:
- Analysis of statewide immunization registry data from Michigan for children under 18 years old (2014-2019).
- Utilized logistic regression to determine the odds of receiving annual flu immunization based on SCD status and age.
Main Results:
- Children with SCD had significantly higher flu immunization coverage (46.9%) compared to those without SCD (23.2%).
- Children with SCD had 2.8 times higher adjusted odds of receiving the flu vaccine annually.
- Adolescents without SCD were less likely to be immunized than younger children without SCD.
Conclusions:
- Children with sickle cell disease demonstrate higher rates of annual flu immunization compared to their peers without the condition.
- Despite improved rates, a substantial proportion of children with SCD (>50%) do not receive annual flu vaccinations, indicating a need for improved access and adherence.
Objectives:
To assess receipt of annual flu immunization among children living with sickle cell disease (SCD).
Methods:
Receipt of flu immunization (2014-2019) by SCD status was assessed among all Michigan children <18 years of age using the statewide immunization registry. Logistic regression was used to estimate the odds of annual flu immunization by SCD status and age.
Results:
Annual flu immunization coverage was higher among children with SCD (46.9%; n = 751) than without (23.2%; n = 2,012,846). The annual adjusted odds of flu immunization for those with SCD were 2.8 (95% CI: 2.5-3.1) times higher than for those without SCD; there were no significant differences by age among children with SCD. Among those without SCD, adolescents aged 13-17 were 2.2 (95% CI: 2.2-2.2) times less likely to receive annual flu immunization than children 6-35 months.
Conclusions:
Children with SCD had higher annual flu immunization rates than those without SCD, but >50% remain unimmunized.
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