Reviewing seasonal child vaccination against influenza: An evaluation of the pros and cons

Abstract

Influenza is an infectious, respiratory disease, which may cause symptoms in healthy individuals for several weeks. Serious complications or death may occur in the elderly and medically compromised patients. Vaccination is an effective means of preventing seasonal influenza infection. However, most countries do not vaccinate healthy individuals. Influenza infection of children is associated with additional aspects: children effectively spread influenza and both the child and its parents are affected. Should the Netherlands therefore include healthy children in the seasonal influenza vaccination target groups? The aim of this thesis is to provide a comprehensive review of the pros and cons of seasonal influenza vaccination in children. Influenza-specific T cells play an important role in this evaluation.