Flu Vaccination Urged for New Group

Because children with neurologic and neuromuscular disease are especially vulnerable to respiratory failure caused by influenza, researchers are recommending that they receive the annual vaccine for influenza.

The findings were reported in the November 2, 2005, issue of the Journal of the American Medical Association. The diseases studied included cerebral palsy, hydrocephalus, muscular dystrophies, spinal muscular atrophy, and seizure disorders.

The decision was made by the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP), a U.S. panel of experts that advises the U.S. Center for Disease Control and Prevention (Atlanta, GA, USA) on national vaccine practice. Among the other conditions designated for the vaccine are heart disease, asthma, disorders of hemoglobin such as sickle cell disease, chronic lung disease, and chronic kidney disease.

A panel from The Children's Hospital (Philadelphia, PA, USA) conducted the new research. They studied the hospital records for 745 children hospitalized at Children's Hospital for influenza during the 2000-2004 flu seasons. Of the total, 32 children developed respiratory failure and needed mechanical ventilation. Of all the conditions studied, children with neurologic and neuromuscular disease were at the highest risk of respiratory failure.

"Children with neurological and neuromuscular disease often have diminished pulmonary function and ability to handle secretions at baseline, and therefore are more vulnerable to respiratory compilations of influenza infection,” said study leader Dr. Ron Keren, M.D., M.P.H., a pediatrician at The Children's Hospital.



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