They call for universal flu vaccination of children

With the start of the flu season in Germany, the Professional Association of Pediatricians and Adolescents (BVKJ) has taken a stand and made a clear demand: the flu vaccine should be more recommended, not only for children with risk factors, but for all children. This recommendation contrasts with the previous position of the Standing Committee on Vaccination (STIKO), which until now only advocated influenza vaccination for children with specific risk factors.

Reduce the burden of disease on the general population

BVKJ President Michael Hubmann emphasizes the need to control the spread of the influenza virus and reduce the burden of the disease on the entire population. It highlights that even healthy children often carry the virus and can therefore pose a potential risk to vulnerable groups. Given the alarming intensity of the current flu wave in Germany, Hubmann stresses the importance of generous flu vaccination.

Consequences of coronavirus as an aggravating factor

The prospects for a serious wave of influenza become clearer when looking at the situation in the southern hemisphere. In the summer of 2023, Australia experienced a major wave of influenza with large numbers of infections, especially among children under nine years of age. Experts see a possible link to contact restrictions during the previous coronavirus pandemic, which may have led to children’s reduced immunity to influenza viruses.

These effects can also be observed in Germany. Current evidence shows that school-aged children and young adults are particularly affected. Since October, the number of reported cases has been around 16,600.

Expert opinions on opportunities and risks

To better understand the issue, the German Science Media Center (SMC) interviewed three experts about the arguments for and against the general recommendation to vaccinate children against influenza. The SMC is an independent organization that acts as an intermediary between scientists and the media. The following statements are taken from SMC’s current press release and reflect uncertainty regarding the progress of the current influenza wave.

Gaps in immunity and possible serious consequences

Prof. Dr. Folke Brinkmann, head of the department of pediatric pulmonology at the University Hospital of Schleswig-Holstein, highlights a possible gap in children’s immunity due to contact restrictions in place during the pandemic. He sees both individual and public benefit in generously vaccinating children this year, especially given the shortage of nurses and doctors.

Also, Professor Dr. Markus Rose, medical director of the department of pediatric pulmonology, allergy and cystic fibrosis at the Olga Hospital in Stuttgart, believes that influenza poses a global threat to the health of children, who are increasingly suffering from serious illnesses. Because of the late start of the flu season, he now sees an opportunity to vaccinate as many people as possible against influenza and recommends vaccinating all children between six months and five years of age. The quadruple flu vaccine, especially in the form of nasal sprays for children, may be an attractive option. Only through widespread vaccination can herd immunity be achieved to protect those who cannot be vaccinated, Rose said.

Available vaccines are not effective enough.

Instead, Prof. Dr. Fred Sepp, former director of the Center for Child and Adolescent Medicine at the University Medical Center Mainz and member of STIKO, points out problems associated with the composition of influenza vaccines.&nbs