Pediatric Gastroenterology

Influenza Vaccination Rates for High-Risk Populations

Published pediatric treatment guidelines recommend that all children > 6 months of age receive an annual influenza vaccination. Children and adolescents with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) on either immunomodulators or biologic therapies and children being treated with combination immunosuppressive medication regimens following liver and intestinal transplantation can be immune compromised, which increases their risk for significant infection. The Department of Pediatric Gastroenterology, Hepatology, and Nutrition's goal is to discuss the importance of annual influenza vaccination with all patients and their families, as well as to offer annual vaccination. Vaccine administration compliance in patients with IBD receiving regular infliximab infusions, regular adalimumab injections, and in patients following liver and intestinal transplant, were documented.

Influenza Immunization Compliance in Pediatric Patients (N = 283)

2019-2020 Flu Season

IBD = inflammatory bowel disease

*Attempts were made to contact the small number of patients on infliximab who did not respond. Their flu immunization status could not be confirmed

All of our patients in these high risk groups were contacted and offered influenza vaccination. During the 2019-2020 Flu season our overall influenza vaccination rate was %. Thirteen percent of our patients offered influenza vaccination declined.