The youngest children have suffered more with the flu after the pandemic than they did before, according to the Norwegian Institute of Public Health. (Illustration photo: Frank May/NTB)
Protection against influenza in the youngest children fell significantly during the corona pandemic, according to a new report from FHI.
This led to more infection and more admissions when the flu returned after the pandemic, writes The Institute of Public Health (FHI).
They have obtained serum samples from before and after the pandemic. From them, it emerges that children aged zero to four years have suffered more with influenza after the pandemic than they did before.
– The youngest should be watched carefully
At the same time, serum samples from autumn 2023 showed an increase in protective antibodies in the youngest of us, writes FHI. It suggests that the children have brought in some of the lack of protection after the pandemic. It also reflects the high incidence of infection in the 2022/2023 season.
– The youngest should still be followed closely going forward. We especially recommend children with underlying diseases, which make them vulnerable to serious illness, to vaccinate ahead of the flu season, says Even Fossum, researcher at the Department of Virology at FHI.
Vaccination produced an additional effect in the elderly
The study has focused on a type of protective antibodies, and it thus does not show the breadth of immunity against influenza, writes FHI.
In general, there has been stable immunity to influenza after the pandemic in most age groups. This is due, among other things, to a change in the virus.
In addition, the elderly were better protected as a result of an additional effect of influenza vaccination. It gave an increase in protective antibodies that also work against newer flu variants, says Fossum.