2023-10-18 09:29:02
The seasonal flu vaccination campaign takes place this year from October 17, 2023 to January 31, 2024. The usual vaccination recommendations are accompanied by something new this year, since vaccination is now offered to children aged 2 to 17. . Explanations.
Vaccinate all children over 2 years old once morest the flu
Each year, is organized a vaccination campaign once morest seasonal flu. This vaccination is recommended for all people at risk of developing a serious form of influenza, including:
- People aged at least 65;
- People with certain chronic illnesses;
- Pregnant women ;
- People with obesity.
It is also recommended for certain people around people at risk, such as healthcare professionals or relatives. This year High Authority of Health (HAS) also recommended seasonal flu vaccination for children aged 2 to 17even when they do not present serious risk factors.
Vaccinate children to protect them and those at risk
This HAS recommendation does not make vaccination of children once morest seasonal flu compulsory. The objective of such a recommendation is to limit the impact and spread of influenza within the population. Annual vaccination of children once morest influenza is already recommended in several European countries, such as the United Kingdom, Spain and Austria.
Vaccinating children once morest seasonal flu might be beneficial on two levels:
- On an individual level, by protecting vaccinated children once morest infection and therefore once morest serious forms of infection. Children aged 2 to 15 are affected in large numbers by winter flu epidemics, as evidenced by data on medical consultations and emergency room visits;
- Collectively, because children are considered a reservoir of flu. They can pass the flu on to their parents and grandparents. Vaccinating them might indirectly protect the elderly and those at risk, particularly if the latter are not themselves vaccinated.
Favor the nasal vaccine when possible
Studies of influenza vaccines have shown good effectiveness and good tolerance of these vaccines in children aged 2 to 17 years. Vaccine effectiveness is estimated at 78% for live attenuated vaccines (nasal vaccine) and 64% for inactivated vaccines (intramuscular vaccines). These vaccines are both effective and safe in children. This new recommendation has been integrated into the 2023 vaccination schedule and allows reimbursement of the vaccine for children.
All influenza vaccines indicated for children can be used to vaccinate a child once morest seasonal influenza. However, the HAS recommended using the vaccine nasal once morest influenza in children aged 2 to 17 years. Administered using a simple nasal spray, this vaccine appears simpler and easier for children and parents to accept. However, to date, this vaccine is not yet available in pharmacies. Children can be vaccinated once morest the flu by the doctor, and from the age of 11 by a nurse or pharmacist.
Estelle B., Doctor of Pharmacy
Sources
-Flu: open vaccination to all children aged 2 to 17. HAS. PRESS RELEASE – Posted on February 9. 2023. www.has-sante.fr. Accessed October 12, 2023
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