Study: Flu vaccine cut child ED visits by up to 60%

The 2018-19 influenza vaccine reduced flu-related hospitalizations and emergency department visits among children by 40% to 60%, a new study shows (Source: “Flu vaccine cut childrens' hospital stays, ED visits by as much as 60%, study finds,” Beckers Hospital Review, Oct. 6)

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.