Influenza vaccination for children with asthma.

QUESTION: Parents of children with asthma are encouraged by many health organizations to vaccinate their children against seasonal influenza viruses. Is the influenza vaccine efficient in preventing asthma exacerbation? Are current vaccinations safe to administer to children with asthma? ANSWER: Infection with influenza viruses can cause substantial respiratory morbidity in children with underlying chronic disease such as asthma. Although vaccination against influenza does not reduce or shorten asthma exacerbations, the intramuscular trivalent vaccine is safe and has a beneficial effect on the quality of life of children with asthma.