Does influenza vaccination exacerbate asthma in children?
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.
Bueving
Herman J
HJ
Department of General Practice, Room FF 305, Erasmus MC-University Medical Center Rotterdam, P.O. Box 1738, 3000 DR Rotterdam, The Netherlands.
Bernsen
Roos M D
RM
de Jongste
Johan C
JC
van Suijlekom-Smit
Lisette W A
LW
Rimmelzwaan
Guus F
GF
Osterhaus
Albert D M E
AD
Rutten-van Mölken
Maureen P M H
MP
Thomas
Siep
S
van der Wouden
Johannes C
JC
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
D007252:Influenza Vaccines