Child and Adolescent Health: Influenza Vaccination and Family-Centered Communication

CHILD AND ADOLESCENT HEALTH
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CHILD AND ADOLESCENT HEALTH
Introduction
The spread of Influenza is one of the most detrimental health issues and the headlines
stating “Doctors urge Australians to get a flu vaccine after virus claims 68 lives” is the highlight
of that growing concern (The Guardian, 2019). Given the low immunity of children, the infants
are more susceptible to the influenza infection than the adults, thereby making the flu vaccine an
essential part of their immunisation protocol post completion of six months of age (WHO, 2015;
Shakib et al., 2016). The healthcare of a child is important as it is the foundation of adolescent
health. Services related to health care are provided to support the development and wellbeing of
children (Flannery et al., 2017).
The medical experts along with the nurses play a significant role in recognizing the
factors which will impact the development and growth of a child (Zaman et al., 2018). This study
focuses on the case of Ashley and Beth in which immunization is the main area of focus. The
immunization assists in reducing the risk of developing adverse effects from a disease and
promotes better immunity in infants. However, in this given scenario, vaccination of one year old
infant Beth against influenza virus is denied by her mother Ashley as she is reluctant towards it.
Her hesitation is due to her unfavourable experience as she had caught flu after influenza
vaccination, during her pregnancy, thus Ashley is reluctant as she thinks Beth will catch the flu
too after vaccination.
The study will aim to present several evidences which is used by MCH nurses to deliver
the right information to Ashley and help her understand the risks and benefits of flu vaccine, so
that Ashley can make the judgement wisely. The objective of the study would also encompass
providing strategies used by MCH nurses to promote family-centred communication along with

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CHILD AND ADOLESCENT HEALTH
discussing strategies to promote immunization in infants in order to reduce the ill effects of the
influenza infection.
Benefits of influenza vaccination
Influenza virus is ubiquitously present and causes a huge health burden across the globe
(WHO, 2015). The best method to reduce the health risks caused by influenza is with vaccination
(CDNA, 2018). However, the vaccines that are being used conventionally have their effect for a
very short period of time and the influenza virus with its developed ability of antigenic drift can
overcome the effect of immunization thereby making the flu vaccine valid for a year (Chow et
al., 2017). The infection with influenza virus results in cardiovascular complications, respiratory
diseases and in even death of infants in some cases (Dempsey & Zimet, 2015).
Vaccination has proven to reduce the risk factors associated with infant's health from
seasonal influenza worldwide (WHO, 2018). Firstly, the benefits which are observed for
immunization against influenza includes reduced hospitalisation along with low chances of death
as successful vaccination has led to a reduction in the number of paediatric deaths (AuG,
Department of Health, 2018). Many researches have reported that death due to influenza was
primarily due to the absence of vaccination (WHO, 2018). Secondly, the severity of influenza
infection can be noted post flu vaccination along with a decrease in the risk of cardiac events as
the vaccination against influenza assists in preventing heart attacks (Douthit et al., 2015).
Thirdly, the influenza vaccine also protects pregnant ladies as the risk associated with respiratory
infection has been seen to decrease by 50 % in pregnant women (Savitz et al., 2015).
Risks of influenza vaccination
The risk with influenza vaccination is as low as one to two cases in million vaccinations
among infants and adolescents (NSW, 2019). Influenza vaccines might lead to development of

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side effects along with allergic reaction however, the chances of occurrence of adverse effect due
to flu vaccine is extremely rare. The side effects of the flu vaccine are generally mild and go
away on their own within a few days (AuG, Department of Health, 2018).
Common side effects from the flu shot include soreness, redness along with swelling from
the shot, fever, headache, nausea, muscle aches along with low chances of fainting (CDNA,
2018). Few studies have reported development of Guillain-Barré syndrome after administration
of Flu vaccine however the risk of acquiring Guillain-Barré syndrome post flu vaccination is less
than than 1-2 chances per one million vaccinations (NSW, 2019).
Risks associated with refusal of influenza vaccination
Ashley had the unfortunate experience of developing the flu after her influenza
vaccination during pregnancy which has made her hesitant during flu vaccination of her one year
old infant, Beth. Ashley must deliberate the vaccination as medical experts worldwide
recommend flu vaccination to infants along with pregnant women (WHO, 2015). Post influenza
vaccination, the individual has enhanced immunity against influenza virus and low risk of
acquiring the disease (CDNA, 2018). Even if the person catches the flu post vaccination, the
immunization prevents development of severe risks associated with the manifestation of
influenza infection along with reducing the chances of hospitalization (WHO, 2015).
Recommendation
Young children could be administered influenza vaccine after 6 months since birth
(WHO, 2018). As infants are immunologically inexperienced to the influenza, 2 doses of the
influenza vaccine are essential when they are being immunised for first time as this maximises
immune response to the strains of influenza in the vaccine (AuG, Department of Health, 2018).
The vaccination against additional strains like the influenza B lineage present in the vaccine