ROME – Influenza vaccination protects children from severe forms of flu even when they are infected with strains of influenza viruses other than those contained in the vaccine. The study considered 329 pediatric patients hospitalized for severe respiratory complications from influenza in 17 American hospitals; 160 were vaccinated against the flu. Researchers estimated the vaccine’s overall effectiveness in preventing severe flu was 63 percent, rising to 75 percent for exceptionally severe life-threatening flu. In the case of type B, none of the participants had contracted influenza caused by the strain contained in the seasonal vaccine, which demonstrated 75% efficacy against other circulating forms of influenza type B viruses. “Stepping up efforts to vaccinate children with influenza could lead to appreciable reductions in critical illness and flu deaths worldwide,” the researchers conclude.

Source: Huffington Post January 15, 2022 12:45 UTC