COVID-19 Pandemic Affects Influenza Vaccination Rates in Children with Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis

Strategic Insights -

A new study conducted across 9 countries, including Israel, has found that the COVID-19 pandemic has significantly impacted influenza vaccination rates in children with Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis (JIA). The research, led by the Pediatric Rheumatology Unit at Meir Medical Center, found that only 23.2% of JIA caregivers vaccinated their children against influenza in the 2020-2021 season, compared to 18.6% in the previous season. The study also highlighted the importance of strengthening health education to address fears and lead to better vaccine coverage against both influenza and SARS-CoV-2 in children with JIA and other inflammatory rheumatic diseases.

Key Takeaways:

  • The COVID-19 pandemic has led to a significant decrease in influenza vaccination rates in children with Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis (JIA), with only 23.2% of JIA caregivers vaccinating their children in the 2020-2021 season.
  • The study found that 18.6% of JIA caregivers had vaccinated their children against influenza in the previous season, indicating a significant decline in vaccination rates.
  • Health education plays a crucial role in addressing fears and leading to better vaccine coverage against both influenza and SARS-CoV-2 in children with JIA and other inflammatory rheumatic diseases.
  • The research was conducted across 9 countries, including Israel, and involved 655 JIA caregivers who completed an anonymous questionnaire about their children's influenza vaccination.
  • The study's findings highlight the need for increased efforts to promote influenza vaccination in children with JIA and other inflammatory rheumatic diseases.

Statistics:

  • 23.2% of JIA caregivers vaccinated their children against influenza in the 2020-2021 season, compared to 18.6% in the previous season (p < 0.01).
  • The research involved 655 JIA caregivers who completed an anonymous questionnaire about their children's influenza vaccination.
  • The study was conducted across 9 countries, including Israel.
  • The vaccination rates in JIA caregivers are significantly lower compared to the general population.

Sources:

  • Influenza vaccine uptake in juvenile idiopathic arthritis during the COVID-19 pandemic: a multi-centre cross-sectional study by PRES vaccination working party. Pediatric Rheumatology, 2025;23(1):103.
  • Pediatric Rheumatology can be contacted at: Bmc, Campus, 4 Crinan St, London N1 9XW, England. (BioMed Central - www.biomedcentral.com/; Pediatric Rheumatology - www.ped-rheum.com)