Maintain pressure on reforms to protect NHSStudy backs flu jabs in children
Researchers at the Health Protection Agency (HPA) estimated the effects of vaccinating under-twos, under-fives and under-16s against the disease.
A programme vaccinating everyone under the age of 16 would reduce the incidence of influenza A and B by 90%, the HPA found.
Immunising those between six months and two years would reduce flu in the population by between 11% and 35%, while immunising all those under five would reduce flu in the population by between 38% and 69%.
The Department of Health's Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation decided in 2005 that more work was needed before flu immunisation in children could be considered.
A DH spokesperson said: 'As with all areas of vaccination and immunisation, the JCVI continuously reviews the available scientific evidence to ensure that there is a firm basis for its advice.
'If new evidence becomes available, it will be considered. The Committee has obviously not yet had time to look at this report.
Online training units, written and reviewed by experts. Earn two hours' CPD and a personalised certificate for your portfolio.
Subscribers get five FREE learning units and non-subscribers can access each learning unit for £10 + VAT.
Share
Have your say
You must sign in to make a comment.