The annual flu vaccine may interfere with the development of cross-reactive killer T cells to flu viruses in children. This is according to a study from the November Journal of Virology.
Study author Rogier Bodewes of Erasmus Medical Center in Rotterdam, The Netherlands and his colleagues have made several researches and used blood samples from Dutch children afflicted with cystic fibrosis and who were vaccinated yearly for influenza. Blood samples were also taken from healthy children who were not vaccinated. Both blood sample groups were tested for the presence of virus – specific killer T cells. These cells are responsible to act on viral proteins which are similar to different flu viruses. These are different from highly variable proteins that are main targets of antibodies induced by the annual influenza vaccines.
These were the results of the study: in healthy invaccinated children, the number of virus – specific T cells rises with age which was not present in children who were vaccinated annually. Vaccination seems to interfere with the induction of killer T cells.
It is true that most countries recommend annual vaccination for flu for people who belong to high risk groups but some countries recommend annual flu vaccination of all healthy children more than 6 months of age. With the result of the study in mind, we could be protecting our kids from the seasonal flu but leaving them vulnerable to novel pandemics. This study therefore recommends the need to develop vaccines in the light of the pandemic threat of avian influenza A/H5N1.
Nevertheless, guidelines for annual flu vaccination must not be overlooked. Children and high risk adults (teachers, members of the medical team, individuals working in health centers, nursing homes, prisons, and treatment facilities) must have their yearly shots to prevent influenza.
Study author Rogier Bodewes of Erasmus Medical Center in Rotterdam, The Netherlands and his colleagues have made several researches and used blood samples from Dutch children afflicted with cystic fibrosis and who were vaccinated yearly for influenza. Blood samples were also taken from healthy children who were not vaccinated. Both blood sample groups were tested for the presence of virus – specific killer T cells. These cells are responsible to act on viral proteins which are similar to different flu viruses. These are different from highly variable proteins that are main targets of antibodies induced by the annual influenza vaccines.
These were the results of the study: in healthy invaccinated children, the number of virus – specific T cells rises with age which was not present in children who were vaccinated annually. Vaccination seems to interfere with the induction of killer T cells.
It is true that most countries recommend annual vaccination for flu for people who belong to high risk groups but some countries recommend annual flu vaccination of all healthy children more than 6 months of age. With the result of the study in mind, we could be protecting our kids from the seasonal flu but leaving them vulnerable to novel pandemics. This study therefore recommends the need to develop vaccines in the light of the pandemic threat of avian influenza A/H5N1.
Nevertheless, guidelines for annual flu vaccination must not be overlooked. Children and high risk adults (teachers, members of the medical team, individuals working in health centers, nursing homes, prisons, and treatment facilities) must have their yearly shots to prevent influenza.
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