Source: Health Policy Institute of Ohio
The 2018-19 influenza vaccine reduced flu-related hospitalizations and emergency department (ED) visits among children by 40% to 60%, a new study shows (Source: “Flu Vaccine Cut Children’s Hospital Stays, ED Visits by as Much as 60%, Study Finds,” Beckers Hospital Review, October 6, 2020).
Published in the journal Pediatrics, the study estimated vaccine effectiveness against flu-related hospitalizations and ED visits among U.S. children. Researchers found that the vaccine’s effectiveness against any flu-related hospitalizations was 41% and 51% against flu-related ED visits. Vaccine effectiveness increased to 61% against ED visits related to the A(H1N1)pdm09 strain of the flu, which was initially predominant during the 2018-19 season.
Researchers tested children 6 months to 17 years with the flu at seven pediatric hospitals.