Influenza virus vaccines in children and their impact on the incidence of otitis media

Semin Pediatr Infect Dis. 2002 Apr;13(2):129-33. doi: 10.1053/spid.2002.123000.

Abstract

Otitis media has been identified as the most frequent reason for outpatient antibiotic therapy. Several studies have linked viral respiratory infections with bacterial otitis media. In light of rising concerns about antibiotic resistance, the possibility of reducing the incidence of otitis media through vaccination against respiratory viruses has received increasing attention. This article reviews inactivated and live attenuated influenza virus vaccines and their possible impact on the incidence of otitis media. Inactivated and live attenuated influenza virus vaccines are safe and immunogenic in children older than 6 months and are linked to a decrease in the incidence of otitis media. Influenza vaccination of infants younger than 6 months has resulted in less predictable immunogenicity and deserves further investigation.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Child
  • Humans
  • Infant
  • Influenza Vaccines / administration & dosage*
  • Influenza, Human / immunology
  • Influenza, Human / prevention & control*
  • Orthomyxoviridae / immunology*
  • Otitis Media / epidemiology
  • Otitis Media / prevention & control*
  • Vaccination
  • Vaccines, Attenuated / administration & dosage

Substances

  • Influenza Vaccines
  • Vaccines, Attenuated