Sapporo Medical Journal

Abstract : Introduction: Bronchial asthma is the most common chronic disease and considered as major public health issue worldwide. Influenza infection can exacerbate asthma symptoms which increase the rate of hospitalization. Influenza infections precipitated about 80 % of asthma exacerbation. Different immunization programs recommended annual influenza vaccination as main prophylactic measure. Purpose: To determine the efficacy and safety of influenza vaccination in protecting against influenza-related asthma exacerbations among children with asthma in eastern region in Saudi Arabia. Methods: A prospective comparative cross-sectional study conducted among parents of children with asthma in eastern region in Saudi Arabia. Study include Children with asthma whether they received annual influenza vaccination or not. Data collected from the parents by using self-administrated questionnaire. Results: Study included 362 asthmatic children 132 (36.5%) had received the seasonal influenza vaccine. As for effect of receiving the vaccine, only 21.2% were hospitalized for asthmatic attack after vaccination, 17.4% hospitalized during last 2 weeks after vaccinations, asthma was controlled among 78% of vaccinated children, and 75% reported that frequency of asthmatic attacks reduced after vaccination. Conclusion: Immunization of influenza vaccine in child with asthma was effective and safe in decreasing respiratory illnesses and asthma-related events that exacerbation and hospitalization.