title: Does influenza vaccination exacerbate asthma in children?
abstract: BACKGROUND
  The risks of influenza vaccination in asthmatic children are still being discussed. Especially, the risk that influenza vaccination may exacerbate asthma is an issue in this debate.
  
  
  METHODS
  We conducted a randomised double-blind placebo-controlled trial in 696 children 6-18 years of age with asthma recruited in general practice during two influenza seasons, 1999-2000 and 2000-2001. Children participated for only one season. During the first week after vaccination, participants recorded local, influenza like and asthma symptoms as well as use of medication, health care use and absenteeism.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Except for cough during the day in the first season, favouring placebo, there were no differences indicating that vaccination exacerbates asthma.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Influenza vaccination does not seem to exacerbate asthma.
authors.affiliation: Department of General Practice, Room FF 305, Erasmus MC-University Medical Center Rotterdam, P.O. Box 1738, 3000 DR Rotterdam, The Netherlands.
authors.forename: Herman J
authors.initials: HJ
authors.lastname: Bueving
authors.forename: Roos M D
authors.initials: RM
authors.lastname: Bernsen
authors.forename: Johan C
authors.initials: JC
authors.lastname: de Jongste
authors.forename: Lisette W A
authors.initials: LW
authors.lastname: van Suijlekom-Smit
authors.forename: Guus F
authors.initials: GF
authors.lastname: Rimmelzwaan
authors.forename: Albert D M E
authors.initials: AD
authors.lastname: Osterhaus
authors.forename: Maureen P M H
authors.initials: MP
authors.lastname: Rutten-van Mölken
authors.forename: Siep
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Thomas
authors.forename: Johannes C
authors.initials: JC
authors.lastname: van der Wouden
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D001249:Asthma / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000209:etiology* / Q000276:immunology; D002648:Child; D004311:Double-Blind Method; D006801:Humans; D007252:Influenza Vaccines / Q000009:adverse effects* / Q000627:therapeutic use; D007251:Influenza, Human / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000517:prevention & control; D016896:Treatment Outcome
chemical_list: D007252:Influenza Vaccines