Related Experiment Video
Updated: Sep 6, 2025
Guidelines for Elective Pediatric Fiberoptic Intubation
Published on: January 17, 2011
Influenza vaccine administration in a paediatric intensive care unit
Sonja Elia1,2, Yvette Moore3, Trevor Duke3,4
1Immunisation Services, The Royal Children's Hospital, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia.
Insights
Influenza immunisation is safe and suitable for children in paediatric intensive care units (PICUs). Tailored follow-up interventions after discharge optimize protection against the flu.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Intensive Care
- Vaccinology
- Infectious Disease Epidemiology
Background:
- Influenza poses a significant risk to vulnerable pediatric populations, particularly those in intensive care settings.
- Optimizing influenza vaccination coverage in pediatric intensive care units (PICUs) is crucial for preventing severe outcomes.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the clinical profile and outcomes of influenza immunisation in children admitted to a PICU.
- To assess the feasibility and safety of administering the seasonal influenza vaccine to PICU patients.
Main Methods:
- Prospective observational study over two influenza seasons.
- Inclusion criteria: patients >6 months old, not critically unwell or scheduled for imminent procedures.
- Exclusion criteria: recent surgery or palliative care.
Main Results:
- Sixty patients were identified; 43% received the vaccine in PICU, and 17% post-discharge.
- Common reasons for PICU admission included cardiac conditions, cerebral palsy, and RSV bronchiolitis.
- No adverse events following influenza immunisation were reported.
Conclusions:
- Seasonal influenza vaccination is suitable and acceptable for children in the PICU.
- Tailored interventions for post-PICU follow-up can enhance vaccination protection.
Aim:
We describe the clinical profile of children and outcomes of influenza immunisation for patients in a paediatric intensive care unit (PICU).
Methods:
Over two influenza seasons: 19/04/2018 to 07/08/2018 and 02/05/2019 to 10/10/2019, an immunisation nurse and PICU nurse coordinator met weekly and identified patients to receive the influenza vaccine. An inpatient list of PICU patients was screened for eligible patients: greater than 6 months of age, did not have imminent procedures (e.g. surgery) or were not critically unwell, as determined by the treating team, to receive the influenza vaccine. Patients were excluded if they had undergone surgery in the previous 24 hours or were being treated palliatively.
Results:
Sixty patients in PICU were identified, with 43% (26/60) receiving the vaccine while in PICU and 17% (10/60) once discharged from PICU to the general ward environment. The majority of patients immunised were in PICU due to cardiac surgery/cardiology or general medical conditions, such as cerebral palsy or RSV bronchiolitis. There were no reported adverse events following immunisation.
Conclusions:
We have demonstrated the suitability and acceptability of children in the PICU receiving the seasonal influenza vaccine and tailored interventions to follow-up once discharged from PICU to optimise protection.
Related Concept Videos
01:28Pneumonia IV: Management
Bacterial Pneumonia Treatment
For bacterial pneumonia, antibiotics serve as the cornerstone of therapy. Initial treatment often begins with empirical antibiotics, tailored to the anticipated causative organism and adjusted based on culture results. Key antibiotic choices include:
01:23Acute Respiratory Failure-IV
01:30Pneumonia V: Nursing management and Prevention
The nurse must practice strict medical asepsis and adhere to infection control guidelines to minimize healthcare-associated infections.
Enhance airway patency
Position the patient correctly to facilitate drainage of the affected lung segments. Manual or mechanical percussion and vibration can also be employed....
01:25Transmission-based Precautions II: Airborne and Protective Environment
Airborne precautions:
Use airborne precautions when treating patients known or suspected to have diseases that spread through the air—for example, tuberculosis or measles. These organisms are present in smaller droplets expelled by an infected person and...
01:21Acute Respiratory Failure-II
The underlying physiological abnormalities that contribute to hypoxemic respiratory failure include:
01:21Acute Respiratory Failure-I
Definition: It is defined by specific criteria based on blood gas measurements. Hypoxemia happens when the partial pressure of oxygen (PaO2) falls below 60 mmHg. At the same time,...