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Immunization reduces antibiotic use in children by preventing flu-related illnesses and secondary infections

Several studies have shown a 13-50% reduction in the use of antibiotics by children who have received influenza vaccine compared with unvaccinated controls. This is due to a decline in febrile illnesses causes by influenza — for which antibiotics are often prescribed inappropriately — as well as a decline in secondary bacterial infections requiring antibiotic treatment, such as pneumonia and middle ear infections, that are triggered by influenza.

Full Citation:
Klugman KP, Black S. 2018. Impact of existing vaccines in reducing antibiotic resistance: Primary and secondary effects. Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences. 115(51).

Title of Article: Impact of existing vaccines in reducing antibiotic resistance: Primary and secondary effects

Author(s): Klugman KP, Black S

Publication Year: 2018

Publication Name: Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences

Publication Volume: 115(51)

Publication Source URL: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/30559195/

DOI (Digital Object Identifier): 10.1073/pnas.1721095115