COVID, RSV – what else is threatening your child?

Although it might seem that the greatest threat to our children is the coronavirus, unfortunately, a significant part of hospital beds is occupied by small patients suffering from the RS virus and the flu. Fortunately, we can protect our youngest children from catching the flu with a very effective weapon – accessible and, above all, safe vaccinations.

What should we be more concerned about in preschool and school-age children: SARS-CoV-2, RSV or the influenza virus?

According to the data of the National Institute of Public Health – National Institute of Hygiene, over 840 thousand people fell ill with influenza and flu-like diseases from the beginning of September. people. Last season, the number of cases in the same period was 454. – this means that today there are almost twice as many sick people as a year ago. What’s more, as much as 55 percent. of them are children under the age of 14.

The flu is no common cold – it can be more serious than COVID for preschoolers. Moreover, influenza and SarsCoV-2 virus co-infections are increasingly common, the consequences of which may be long-term. Influenza is also one of the faster spreading diseases, and unfortunately children are very ‘effective’ transmitters of the virus, not only among their peers in schools and kindergartens, but also among parents, grandparents, siblings and the rest of society.

Is flu especially dangerous for children? What are the complications?

The flu is an extremely insidious disease – it attacks unexpectedly, and its effects can be extremely severe, especially for children, because their immune systems are not yet fully developed. It is they, along with the elderly, pregnant women and immunocompromised people, who are most at risk of serious complications. These include:

1. Inflammation of the middle ear
2. Pneumonia and bronchitis 
3. Inflammation of the paranasal sinuses
4. Acute respiratory failure
5. Multiple organ failure
6. Exacerbation of chronic diseases [1] 

Vaccination against influenza is especially recommended for children with reduced immunity, chronic patients (e.g. with asthma, renal failure, inflammatory bowel disease) and children who are chronically bedridden.

Why is it worth getting your children flu vaccinated NOW? What does the child and the whole family gain?

The peak of flu cases occurs between January and March, so it is still reasonable to get vaccinated – unfortunately in Poland there is still a belief that we should get vaccinated only in September and October. The current time is ideal for vaccination – the patient acquires post-vaccination immunity within two to three weeks after vaccination, which lasts up to 12 months. Flu vaccines protect against disease in up to 90 percent. What’s more, after taking the vaccine, the frequency of flu-like symptoms is reduced by as much as 84%, while the likelihood of an asthma exacerbation is reduced by 20-41%.

During the fourth wave of the COVID-19 pandemic, and at the same time during the increased incidence of other infectious diseases of the respiratory tract, e.g. influenza or infections caused by the RS virus, each prophylaxis option cannot be overestimated. By vaccinating against the flu, we reduce the risk of getting sick and the occurrence of life-threatening complications. During the Covid 19 pandemic, the prevention of respiratory tract infections with vaccines is of particular importance, therefore influenza vaccination is strongly recommended for the entire population. Vaccines are available, and additionally, this year they are reimbursed for children over six months up to 18 years of age and for being vaccinated as a pediatrician, I especially encourage Dr. Ilona Małecka, MD, specialist in paediatrics.

It is worth getting vaccinated now, especially before Christmas, New Year’s trips, holidays and meetings with loved ones. Let us not let the flu – a disease that can be prevented – thwart our plans. Let’s give ourselves and our loved ones health.

What vaccinations are available for children? How are they different?

From November 50, flu vaccines: intranasal and injectable, are reimbursed in 2 percent. Intranasal vaccines for children from 18 years of age to 6 years of age, and injection vaccines for children from 18 months to 23 years of age. From November 2, every adult can get vaccinated against influenza free of charge. [75] Previously, only pregnant women or seniors over XNUMX years of age.

People who are entitled to free flu vaccinations do not need to receive a referral from a doctor for vaccination and make an appointment at the clinic – the patient only needs to visit one of the vaccination centers and make an appointment for the injection. In the case of children – all you need is a prescription. Vaccines are available in pharmacies and wholesalers – even if a pharmacy does not have it in stock, they can easily order them from wholesalers. We can give the vaccine at your clinic.

Currently, two forms of flu vaccines are available for the youngest – Fluenz Tetra in the form of a nasal spray and Vaxigrip Tetra, Fluarix Tetra and Influvac Tetra in the form of a traditional intramuscular injection. The Fluenz Tetra and Vaxigrip Tetra vaccines are covered by 50 percent. refund. All available vaccines are quadrivalent vaccines, containing the antigens of four strains of the influenza virus, which are recommended to manufacturers by the World Health Organization WHO.

One dose is enough for full immunity in adults and children over nine years of age. In younger unvaccinated children, a second dose is recommended after at least four weeks. Importantly, the flu vaccination can be taken at the same vaccination visit along with e.g. the COVID-19 vaccine.

Are there any reasons why children should be immunized against flu?

There are very few contraindications for taking the flu vaccine. As you can read on the vaccine package inserts, these are:

1. Allergy to egg white or any of the excipients present in the vaccine 
2. Development of serious undesirable effects after the previous vaccination, e.g. anaphylactic reaction 
3. Persistent acute infection with a high fever above 38 degrees [3] 

In each case, the decision to qualify for vaccination is made by a doctor.