The current flu season poses a serious threat, particularly to children and adolescents in Germany. The Federal Association of Pediatricians (BVKJ), represented by its president Michael Hubmann, has responded to the rising infection numbers by calling for the expansion of flu vaccinations to include all children from early childhood onwards. This move aims to achieve broader coverage and consequently better protect the population. The call is based on the observation that previous vaccination recommendations, targeting only children with risk factors, are insufficient, as even healthy children are often carriers of the virus, contributing to its spread.
Current flu statistics reveal an unusually rapid increase since Christmas. Observations from countries in the southern hemisphere, where the flu season has already peaked between July and September, suggest similar patterns for the northern hemisphere. Particularly in Australia, severe cases and an increased mortality rate among children have been noted, emphasizing the importance of vaccination. It is assumed that the dominance of the Influenza A virus subtype H1N1, a descendant of the 2009 pandemic virus, and influenza B, which has been less common in recent years, will lead to a higher infection rate among children who have not been exposed to these viruses before.
Despite the good match of vaccines with circulating viruses, the effectiveness of flu vaccination is rated as moderate, reducing the risk of illness by only about one-third to one-half. However, vaccination leads to milder courses of illness. The vaccine is especially effective against A/H1N1 and can reduce hospitalizations.
The positive outcome of the season in Australia, with many infections but overall fewer severe cases, is considered an indicator of effective vaccination. The expectation is that despite high infection rates due to the flu season in Germany, especially affecting children, there will be no increase in severe illnesses compared to other years. This could be partly attributed to the impact of vaccination, although shortages in medication supply, such as antibiotics against streptococci, pose an additional risk.
In response to the current situation and the strain on medical facilities due to the pandemic, the BVKJ advocates for expanding flu vaccinations to include all children and adolescents. Hubmann calls for an immediate relief of practices from bureaucratic burdens to optimize patient care and alleviate pressure on healthcare facilities. This demand is part of a comprehensive approach that also includes preventive measures such as the installation of air purifiers in schools and ensuring an adequate supply of medications.
In summary, the situation is characterized by a strong flu season, primarily affecting children. Despite its limited effectiveness, vaccination is seen as a crucial tool to reduce severe illnesses and hospitalizations. The necessity for adjusting vaccination recommendations, implementing preventive measures, and streamlining healthcare is considered essential for addressing this challenge. The 2023/2024 flu season demands a comprehensive response to protect children’s health and alleviate the burden on the healthcare system.
Sources:
https://www.zdf.de/nachrichten/ratgeber/gesundheit/grippe-impfung-kinder-aerzte-empfehlung-100.html
https://www.oldenburger-onlinezeitung.de/nachrichten/kinderaerzte-praesident-fordert-grippeschutzimpfung-fuer-alle-kinder-118884.html
https://www.spektrum.de/news/die-grippewelle-betrifft-besonders-kinder/2203750
