Effectiveness of influenza vaccination of children with recurrent respiratory tract infections in reducing respiratory-related morbidity within the households

To evaluate the effectiveness of influenza vaccination in reducing respiratory-related morbidity among children with recurrent respiratory tract infections (RRTIs) and their household contacts, 127 children aged 6 months-9 years (78 males; median age, 3.7 years) with a history of RRTIs (greater than or equal to6 episodes per year if aged greater than or equal to3 years; greater than or equal to8 episodes per year if aged <3 years) were randomized to receive the intranasal virosomal influenza vaccine (n = 64 with 176 household contacts) or a control placebo (n = 63 with 173 household contacts). During influenza season, the vaccinated children had fewer respiratory infections, febrile respiratory illnesses, prescribed antibiotics and antipyretics, and missed school days than the controls, and similar benefits and a reduction in the loss of parental work were observed among their household contacts. This study shows that the benefits of influenza vaccination extend to children with RRTIs and their family members and encourages to recommend its use in such children. (C) 2003 Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserved.