Pediatricians recommend extending flu vaccinations for children and adolescents up to 18 years of age.
Each winter, seasonal influenza causes 4,000 to 6,000 pediatric hospitalizations and 8 to 10 pediatric deaths. For this reason, pediatricians recommend expanding the vaccination range from 6 months to 59 months (5 years), which is the current coverage, to all children and adolescents up to 18 years of age.
In statements to EFE and in connection with the launch of the flu and Covid vaccination campaign, pediatrician and representative of the Spanish Association of Vaccinology (AEV), Fernando Moraga-Llop, argued for this expansion on the grounds that influenza is a highly contagious disease. which can be serious and especially affects children, who are the main carriers.
Moraga-Llop pointed out that the greatest severity is observed in children under five years of age and especially under one year. Vaccination is currently not recommended for children under 6 months of age, who are protected by maternal vaccination.
According to data presented by Moraga-Llop, Spain recorded more than 4,239 hospitalizations of children under five last season. Of these, 822 developed serious complications, 249 were hospitalized in intensive care, and eight died.
Until now, influenza vaccination recommendations are for the age group 6 to 59 months. However, the recommendations also take into account risk groups 5 years and older and adolescents with underlying medical conditions or certain situations that create an increased risk of developing influenza complications.
In addition, the vaccine is recommended for children 5 years of age and older living with at-risk patients and people living with children under 6 months of age.
Moraga-Llop also recalled the importance of immunizing children against respiratory syncytial virus (RSV).
The drug shown is nirsevimab, which protects against this highly contagious virus that causes most bronchiolitis. He also recommended RSV vaccination for older adults.
Children are at greater risk of complications.
Pharmaceutical company AstraZeneca launched its Flu School campaign this week to raise awareness of the need to prevent the disease among children and achieve widespread vaccination coverage.
As children return to school, the number of cases of influenza, a disease that in a normal year affects 10 to 20% of the population, is increasing, according to Ivan Sanz, head of scientific and virological surveillance at the National Influenza Center in Valladolid. .
The incidence of influenza is higher in children than in adults, and children are at high risk of serious complications. Two out of three hospitalized children do not have risk factors.
And influenza is an often underdiagnosed disease, explains this expert, who warns of serious consequences for children and adults.
The highest incidence rates are observed in the group from 0 to 4 years of age, followed by children under 15 years of age.
In addition, children are a fundamental factor in the chain of transmission of infection as they shed large quantities of viruses over a longer period of time.
Smokers and kindergarten staff, risk groups
This year, the Ministry of Health once again recommended flu vaccination for early childhood education workers who care for children under five years of age, as they are considered high risk and suffer possible complications if infected, as well as smokers.
Seasonal flu vaccinations began this week in some communities, combined with Covid-19 boosters using sera tailored to the new variants.
The campaign, which will continue throughout October, aims to reduce illness and death, and reduce the impact of these infections on health and social care capacity.