Addressing the need for vaccinating against influenza, through Abbott’s “Mothers Against Influenza” initiative
- Influenza is a more serious disease than one often realises. Children are at a high risk of developing influenza-associated complications.
- The virus causing influenza undergoes antigenic mutation and causes periodic epidemics and pandemics, and is thus a global public health problem.
- National Center of Disease Control data shows that influenza cases have increased 5-fold in India from 2012-2019, and in Tamil Nadu, influenza cases have grown at a rate of 24% per annum from 2012 to 2018.
- Infection rates among children are generally the highest of any age group during typical influenza seasons, averaging 25%–43%.
- Vaccination remains the most effective method of preventing influenza.
- With the latest research and evidence indicating that quadrivalent influenza vaccines can offer increased protection, Abbott will soon be launching the influenza quadrivalent vaccine.
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July, 2019, Chennai: Influenza is a highly infectious respiratory
disease of viral origin. Distinct from the common flu, influenza can result in
high fever lasting for 3 to 4 days,
headache, myalgia, exhaustion and severe chest discomfort and cough. The
condition can also result in complications. Secondary bacterial pneumonia is a
frequent complication, while other complications include myocarditis, worsening
of chronic pulmonary diseases and Reye syndrome. The virus causing influenza
undergoes antigenic mutation and causes periodic epidemics and pandemics, and
is thus a global public health problem, causing
considerable mortality and morbidity. The National Center of Disease Control
estimates that influenza cases have increased 5-fold in India from 5,044 in 2012 to 26,366 in 2019 alone (till
July 2019). Correspondingly, the number of deaths attributable to influenza has
more than doubled from 405 in 2012 to 1,072 in 2019. In Tamil Nadu, influenza
cases have grown at a rate of 24% per annum from 2012 to 2018.[1]
 |
(L-R) Dr. Srirupa Das, Medical Director,
Abbott, Dr. Abraham Palache, a global expert in influenza
vaccinology; Dr. Priya Chandrasekhar, Consultant at Apollo Children’s
Hospital
|
In India, seasonal influenza epidemics occur during the
rainy season months, from June to August in Northern India and from October to
December in Southern India, including Tamil Nadu.[2] Peak influenza activity is associated with significant morbidity
and mortality; one study found that influenza accounted for 20-42% of monthly acute medical
illness hospitalizations during the rainy season.[3]People with underlying (chronic)
medical conditions such as respiratory, cardiac disease and diabetes as well as
young children and the elderly are at increased risk for flu-associated
complications / hospitalizations.
Children are at a high risk of developing
influenza-associated complications.[4] A
review of multiple studies identified that the most frequent complication of
influenza in children is middle ear infection or Acute Otitis Media, which can occur
in 20–60% of children suffering from influenza.[5]
Asthmatic children are at high risk of developing acute exacerbations of their
asthma.
Dr.
Priya Chandrasekhar, Consultant at Apollo Children’s Hospitals observed, “Children are
disproportionately affected by influenza. Infection rates among children
are generally the highest of any age group during typical influenza seasons,
averaging 25%–43%. In a review of annual epidemics, it was demonstrated that
influenza-attack rates reached 30% in pre-school and school-aged children.[2] Vaccination
is the best way to prevent influenza. If at least 50% of children are
vaccinated, then the epidemic can be contained and the burden reduced. The best time
to get vaccinated is before the monsoon, in August in Tamil Nadu.”
“Vaccination remains
the most effective method of preventing influenza . The
National Center of Disease Control estimates that influenza cases have
increased 5-fold in India from 5,044 in 2012 to 26,366 in 2019
alone (till July 2019). Correspondingly, the number of deaths attributable to
influenza has more than doubled from 405 in 2012 to 1,072 in 2019. In Tamil
Nadu, influenza cases have grown at a rate of 24% per annum from
2012 to 2018.,” commented Dr. Srirupa Das, Medical Director, Abbott.
Abbott has initiated a “Mothers Against Influenza” (MAI)
campaign to raise awareness and encourage mothers to initiate conversations
with their doctors, so that they are thoroughly informed about influenza, its
symptoms and precautions they can take. Through this campaign, we have been
able to raise awareness amongst parents in general and mothers specifically.” WHO and the Ministry of Health and
Family Welfare recommend influenza immunization for people at increased risk of
influenza-associated complications and serious disease.[6]Dr.
Abraham Palache, a global expert in influenza vaccinology explained, “Influenza vaccines reduce the annual burden of influenza
associated disease, hospitalizations and deaths, and the WHO classifies
inactivated influenza vaccines as ‘excellent safety’.”
Currently, Influenza A/H1N1, A/H3N2 and B viruses are circulating.
The disease burden of both A and B viruses is substantial, and B viruses have
been estimated to be associated with 25% of all influenza‑related mortality globally.Trivalent
influenza vaccines (TIVs), which comprise of three influenza strains (two type
A strains and one type B strain) offer substantial protection against matching
B-strains.However, protection may be enhanced by adding another type B-strain in
quadrivalent influenza vaccines (QIVs). As influenza B is associated with
substantial mortality, the use of QIVs over TIVs may further reduce the burden
of influenza. Dr. Srirupa Dasremarked,
“Abbott
is committed to ensuring that its vaccines portfolio offers the best protection
against influenza. With the latest research and evidence indicating that QIV
can offer increased protection, Abbott will soon be launching the influenza
quadrivalent vaccine.”
Modeling studies have estimated that
annual influenza epidemics could be contained if 50%–70% of children were
vaccinated. Dr. Abraham Palache elaborated on this community benefit, “Research shows that vaccination has a ‘herd-immunity’
benefit: high level of vaccination
rates in children not only protect those who are vaccinated, but also protect
non-vaccinated (pre-school) children and adults in their environment. It’s
important to remember that we come in contact with the elderly, children,
parents of children and pregnant women on a daily basis, all of whom could be
put at risk of getting the flu virus from us. Getting yourself and your family
vaccinated before influenza season is beneficial not only for you, but for the
entire community.”
[2]http://www.gjmedph.com/uploads/R1-Vo5No5.pdf
[3]http://www.gjmedph.com/uploads/R1-Vo5No5.pdf
[4]Monto
AS, Sullivan KM. Acute respiratory illness in the community. Frequency of
illness and the agents involved. Epidemiol Infect 1993;110:145–60; Heikkinen T.
Influenza in children. ActaPaediatr 2006;95:778–84; [Ambrose, et al.
Hum Vaccines Immunother2012;8:81-]
[5]Heikkinen
T. Influenza in children. ActaPaediatr 2006;95:778–84
[6]https://mohfw.gov.in/sites/default/files/30580390001493710612.pdf
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