Safety and efficacy of influenza vaccine in children.
OBJECTIVE
To describe the safety and efficacy of influenza vaccines in asthmatic children.


METHODS
Literature was identified by a MEDLINE search (2002-March 2003). Key search terms included asthma, exacerbation, children, vaccine, and influenza.


RESULTS
Concerns that the influenza vaccine may exacerbate asthma attacks have kept many asthmatic children from receiving this immunization. Researchers have conducted studies to determine the burden of influenza on asthmatic children, the safety of influenza vaccines, and their benefit in the presence of glucocorticoid burst therapy in the same population.


CONCLUSIONS
Influenza vaccines tested are safe and efficacious in asthmatic children.
Goldstein
Leslie G B
LG
College of Pharmacy, Idaho State University, Pocatello, ID, USA. ELSAD@aol.com
D001249:Asthma / Q000150:complications; D002986:Clinical Trials as Topic; D006801:Humans; D007252:Influenza Vaccines / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000276:immunology; D012307:Risk Factors; D014613:Vaccines, Attenuated / Q000009:adverse effects; D015164:Vaccines, Inactivated / Q000009:adverse effects
D007252:Influenza Vaccines; D014613:Vaccines, Attenuated; D015164:Vaccines, Inactivated