Can influenza vaccination aggravate asthmatic complaints?
The frequency of exacerbations of asthma was similar in the two weeks after the influenza vaccination and after placebo injection (29% and 28 %, respectively). The inactivated influenza vaccine is safe to administer to adults and children with asthma, including those with severe asthma. Given the morbidity of influenza, all those with asthma should receive the vaccine annually. Several studies have proved that influenza vaccination is safe among asthmatics. In a large study in adults and children with asthma, only body aches were reported somewhat more frequently after inactivated influenza vaccine (25 %) than placebo-injection (21%).
