On February 9, 2023, HAS recommended that vaccination against seasonal influenza could be offered each year to children without comorbidities aged 2 to 17 years old. Compulsory or not?
[Mise à jour le 10 février 2023 à 10h18] The risks of contracting seasonal flu are three times higher in children, especially if he is educated and therefore more exposed. On February 9, the High Authority for Health (HAS), recommended offering vaccination against influenza, every year, to children without comorbidities aged 2 to 17 years old. It would be added to their vaccination schedule. “The objective is to allow reimbursement and limit the spread and impact of the flu on the population” explains authority. This vaccination is currently recommended in France for adults at risk of serious forms (+65 years old, chronically ill, etc.) but not for the youngest. This is the case in the United Kingdom, Spain and Austria. for children from 6 months to 17 years old. Will the vaccination be OBLIGATORY ? With which vaccine ? In nasal spray instead ?
Will the flu vaccine be compulsory for children?
No. The Haute Autorité de Santé recommends offering vaccination to children and adolescents aged 2 to 17 “without it being made compulsory” can we read in the press release published on its site on February 9.
What vaccines are used in children against the flu?
The five vaccines marketed against influenza in France (Fluarix Tetra®, Vaxigrip Tetra®, Influvac Tetra®, Flucelvax® and Fluenz Tetra®) can be used in children, but the HAS issues a “preferred recommendation” for the vaccine administered by nasal spray (Fluenz Tetra®). “This simpler mode of administration (spray in the nose) should indeed be better accepted by children and their parents.”
At what age can a child be vaccinated against the flu?
From 6 months, a baby can be vaccinated against the flu. Before that age, it is impossible to give him an injection of flu vaccine and it is therefore those around the baby who must be vaccinated in order to protect him.
Who are the children at risk who should get the flu shot?
“Any parent who wishes to have their child vaccinated can do so”, recalls Dr. Brigitte Virey, pediatrician and president of the Union of Pediatricians of France. But for some children, already fragile, vaccination is essential. This is particularly the case for:
- Children who suffer from respiratory problems (asthma, cystic fibrosis).
- Children born very premature and who have a greater risk of decompensating if they contract the flu.
- Children with heart defects (congenital heart disease for example).
- Children with a neurological or neuromuscular disease (myopathy).
- Children suffering from a kidney or liver disease.
- children diabetics or obesity.
- Children with a immune deficiency or under immunosuppressive treatment (HIV or sickle cell disease).
“Children with these diseases are classified in long-term illness and benefit from 100% coverage by health insurance allowing parents to have their child vaccinated for free”, wants to clarify the pediatrician.
How effective is the flu vaccine in children?
The studies analyzed by the HAS show a “good efficiency” and safety of influenza vaccines in children 2 to 17 years old. “The studies in the Cochrane reviews conclude that vaccination against seasonal influenza is effective in children without comorbidity in preventing infection (vaccination effectiveness of 78% for live attenuated vaccines, 64% for inactivated vaccines)” specifies the authority.
How many doses of flu vaccine for a child?
THE children aged 6 months to 17 years receive a dose of 0.5 mL. If your child is under 9 years old and has not had a previous flu shot, a second dose of 0.5 mL should be given after an interval of at least 4 weeks. Protection from the flu vaccine lasts about 6 months. It will therefore be necessary re-inject one dose of vaccine each yearespecially if the child is fragile.
What are the side effects of the flu vaccine for children?
There are no side effects unique to the flu vaccine. “As with all vaccines, it is possible to have a small local reaction with a redness a little painful sometimes. From time to time the child may have a little fever. In very exceptional cases, it is possible to make a allergy.” The HAS confirms for its part that “Pharmacovigilance data for influenza vaccines in children available in France do not show no particular signal of tolerance. THE European and global data confirm the safety of these vaccines in children“.
Can you get the flu vaccine while breastfeeding?
There is no risk for the baby whose mother is breastfeeding and is vaccinated against the flu. “We can also vaccinate pregnant women at any stage of pregnancy. This can protect the baby a little bit, although we don’t know exactly how long it can be effective” explains Brigitte Virey.
Thanks to Dr Brigitte Virey, pediatrician and president of the Syndicate of Pediatricians of France.
Sources:
Influenza: open vaccination to all children aged 2 to 17 years. Press release posted on February 9, 2023
ANSM drug database