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Flu vaccination in children may reduce unnecessary antibiotic prescriptions during influenza season

Among 33,000 preschool children in the UK (who received at least one prescription of amoxicillin) there were ~15% fewer amoxicillin prescriptions given during the influenza season to children who had received the live attenuated influenza vaccine than among children who were not vaccinated. This suggests that flu vaccination may lead to a reduction in excess, inappropriate prescribing of antibiotics for influenza in children.

Full Citation:
Hardelid P, Ghebremichael-Weldeselassie Y, Whitaker H et al.. 2018. Effectiveness of live attenuated influenza vaccine in preventing amoxicillin prescribing in preschool children: A self-controlled case series study. Journal of Antimicrobial Chemotherapy. 73(3).

Title of Article: Effectiveness of live attenuated influenza vaccine in preventing amoxicillin prescribing in preschool children: A self-controlled case series study

Author(s): Hardelid P, Ghebremichael-Weldeselassie Y, Whitaker H et al.

Publication Year: 2018

Publication Name: Journal of Antimicrobial Chemotherapy

Publication Volume: 73(3)

Publication Source URL: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/29228207/

DOI (Digital Object Identifier): 10.1093/jac/dkx463

Topics: Antibiotic Resistance | Global Issues

Disease Vaccines: Influenza

Countries: United Kingdom

WHO Regions: Europe