Safety of a Virosomal Adjuvanted Influenza Vaccine in Children Suffering from Chronic Disease

ABSTRACT

Children suffering from chronic disease are at increased risk for complications and mortality caused by influenza. Influenza can be most effectively prevented by vaccination. Although recommended for children with chronic disease, vaccination rates remain low in this population. One possible explanation is the parents’ concern that the child’s underlying disease may worsen or that adverse events following influenza vaccination may be more severe than in healthy children. Data demonstrating the safety of influenza vaccination in this population are therefore crucial and may help to increase future vaccination rates in children suffering from chronic disease. The present review summarises published data on safety following vaccination with a virosomal adjuvanted influenza vaccine in children suffering from chronic disease compared with healthy children. The vaccine was shown to be immunogenic and safe in four particularly vulnerable populations: children suffering from asthma, cystic fibrosis, diabetes, or HIV infection. No changes in the course of the underlying diseases were observed after vaccination.

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