ALEXANDRIA, Va., Feb. 19 (UPI) -- Inactivate influenza vaccine may be a safe and effective way to reduce flu risk in children as young as 6 months, U.S. researchers said Thursday.
A review of studies found that unlike the live virus vaccine given adults, which contains a weakened form of the virus, the killed or split-virus influenza vaccine contains an inactive form of the virus that has been found to be safe even for children with high-risk conditions such as asthma, immunodeficiency or chronic heart and lung conditions.
"The knowledge of influenza causing problems in children is very new," said Dr. Frederick Ruben, director of Scientific and Medical Affairs for Aventis Pasteur, a vaccine manufacturer.
In serious cases, flu can cause neurological damage, paralysis and even death in children, Ruben said in a statement.
Many parents are not aware the vaccine is available for children, said Dr. Kathleen Neuzil, author of an editorial commentary in the journal Clinical Infectious Diseases.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention is expected to recommend the killed vaccine for children 6 months to 23 months by fall 2004.
