Indirect protection in action: Evidence from childhood influenza vaccination programmes

<p>George Kassianos</p>

Indirect protection in action: Evidence from childhood influenza vaccination programmes

George Kassianos

National Immunisation Lead Royal College of General Practitioners, UK

: J Clin Exp Oncol

Abstract

Children are recognised as playing a key role in the transmission of influenza virus. Targeting children with influenza vaccine would reduce infection in immunised children themselves (direct impact) – the primary reason for vaccinating children, as well as reduce influenza-related disease in other age groups, including the elderly people and individuals in clinically high-risk groups (indirect impact). Various studies from Japan, to the United States of America and Finland show the direct as well as the indirect impact of vaccinating children against seasonal influenza. The author will discuss the impact of childhood influenza vaccination programme on the children themselves as well younger and older adults in England, UK.