Low Influenza Vaccine Uptake; What is the Impact in Hospitalised Children

Seasonal influenza is an RNA virus spread by droplets. The burden of disease is significant, particularly in children under five, and in those with underlying health conditions. Vaccination against influenza is effective and recommended for all children aged 2-16, and those from 6 months of age with underlying health conditions. We completed a retrospective study examining the notes of all patients presenting to a large tertiary children’s hospital in the UK with confirmed seasonal influenza over the 2022/2023 season. 238 children were included in this study. 88/238 (37.0%) children in our cohort were under 2. 112/238 (47.1%) were discharged from ED. 41/238 (17.2%) were admitted for observation for 24 hours. 41/238(17.2%) stayed 3 days or longer. 1 child passed away. Overall 73/238 (30.6%) had a significant comorbidity, in those under 2 13/88 (14.8%) had a comorbidity. 13/238 (5.4%) were admitted to PICU or HDU. 30/238 (12.6%) received Oseltamivir, 114/238 (47.8%) children were given antibiotic therapy at presentation for a presumed secondary bacterial infection. 13/238 (5.4%) were vaccinated 14 days or more prior to presentation. 0 children admitted to HDU or PICU were vaccinated. Due to delays and vaccine availability and hesitancy we had very low rates of vaccination. Our results show the impact of influenza on an unvaccinated cohort. Just under half of all children were given antibiotics for a presumed secondary bacterial infection. We highlight that a significant number did not have an underlying comorbidity. This is most notable in the under 2 cohort. This reinforces data supporting the importance of vaccination in children and raises the question of whether we should extend our vaccination program to cover all children over 6 months of age.