As the influenza season begins in Germany, the Professional Association of Pediatrics and Adolescents (BVKJ) takes a stand and makes a clear request: the influenza vaccine should no longer be recommended only for children with risk factors, but for every child. This recommendation contrasts with the previous position of the Standing Committee on Vaccination (STIKO), which has so far only advocated influenza vaccination for children with special risk factors.
Reduce the disease burden on the general population
BVKJ President Michael Hubmann emphasized the need to control the spread of influenza viruses and reduce the disease burden on the entire population. It highlights that even healthy children often carry the virus and therefore may pose a potential danger to vulnerable groups. Given the worrying severity of the current flu wave in Germany, Hubmann stressed the importance of generous flu vaccinations.
Consequences of coronavirus as an aggravating factor
When analyzing the situation in the Southern Hemisphere, the prospect of a severe influenza wave becomes clear. In the summer of 2023, a large influenza outbreak occurred in Australia, which infected many people, especially children under 9 years old. Experts believe this may be related to contact restrictions during previous coronavirus pandemics, which may have resulted in children having reduced immunity to the flu virus.
These consequences can also be seen in Germany. Data so far shows that school-age children and young people are particularly affected. Since October, approximately 16,600 cases have been reported.
Expert views on opportunities and risks
To better understand this issue, the German Science Media Center (SMC) interviewed three experts to discuss the arguments for and against the general recommendation to vaccinate children against influenza. The SMC is an independent organization that acts as an intermediary between scientists and the media. The following statement is from SMC’s latest press release and reflects the uncertainty surrounding the course of the current influenza wave.
Immunity Gaps and Possible Severe Courses
Professor Folke Brinkmann, Head of the Pediatric Pulmonary Service at the University Hospital Schleswig-Holstein, emphasizes that there may be gaps in children’s immunity due to the contact restrictions imposed during the pandemic. He believes generous efforts to vaccinate children this year would be good for individuals and society, especially given the shortage of nurses and doctors.
Professor Dr. Marcus Roth, Head of the Department of Pediatric Pulmonary, Allergy and Cystic Fibrosis at the Olga Hospital in Stuttgart, also believes that influenza poses a global threat to children’s health and that children are increasingly suffering from severe diseases. With the flu season starting late, he currently sees the opportunity to vaccinate as many people as possible and recommends vaccinating all children between six months and five years old. Quadruple influenza vaccine, especially in the nasal spray form for children, may be an attractive option. Ross said herd immunity, which protects those who cannot be vaccinated, can only be achieved through widespread vaccination.
Existing vaccines are not effective enough
In contrast, Professor Fred Zepp, former Director of the Center for Pediatric and Adolescent Medicine at the University Medical Center Mainz and a member of STIKO, pointed to challenges with the composition of the influenza vaccine.