Children born in the autumn are more likely to receive the flu vaccine than children born in the summer, according to a new study published in JAMA Pediatrics and reported by HealthDay.
The explanation is that children born in the autumn are more likely to have their annual check-up when the flu vaccine is available.
Researchers compared U.S. insurance data for children aged two to five.
The data covered five influenza seasons from 2016 to 2023, although seasons affected by COVID-19 were excluded.
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Lower infection rates
Children with birthdays in the autumn had vaccination rates that were 9 to 13 percentage points higher than those of children born in the summer.
At the same time, they experienced fewer cases of influenza. The difference ranged from 1 to 1.4 percentage points, according to the findings.
The researchers also examined illnesses for which no vaccine is available, including the common cold and stomach viruses. In these cases, there was no clear difference between the groups.
Annual vaccine removed
The study comes amid a U.S. debate over recommended childhood vaccinations.
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According to HealthDay, the CDC removed the annual influenza vaccine from its childhood immunization schedule in January.
The decision has been temporarily blocked by a U.S. court.
Influenza vaccines for children appear to prevent many cases of illness. For every 100 vaccinated children, approximately 9 to 14 avoid getting the flu.
Sources: HealthDay and JAMA Pediatrics.
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