Indicaties voor influenzavaccinatie bij kinderen met longaandoeningen

– The Dutch Association for Paediatric Medicine has formulated guidelines regarding influenza vaccination of children with pulmonary disease. Influenza virus is the most frequent cause of airway infections in humans over two years of age. It may lead to serious morbidity in children with pulmonary disease: exacerbations, (transient) disturbances in pulmonary function, and symptoms lasting weeks, but mortality is probably very low. The effects of influenza vaccination of children with pulmonary disease are similar to those in normal healthy children. A positive long-term effect on the asthma has never been demonstrated. It is advised that children with moderate to severe asthma who require treatment be vaccinated against influenza every year. If the first vaccination ever occurs before the age of six years, it should be followed by a booster vaccination after four weeks. In both instances a full vaccination dose should be administered.