Abstract
It is estimated that viruses play a role in 30% to 80% of asthma exacerbations. Thus, virus vaccination in patients with asthma could play an important role in preventing asthma exacerbations and other complications. Influenza is the only agent for which a routine vaccine is currently available. This article discusses whether influenza vaccination in patients with asthma, based on the available evidence, is justified. Cost-effectiveness of (influenza) vaccination for patients with asthma is questionable. For the other major viruses involved, the present state of affairs is described. Although progress is being made, a vaccine may be available in the near future only for respiratory syncytial virus (RSV). Meanwhile, clinicians and patients should aim for an optimal treatment with the currently available asthma medication.
| Original language | English |
|---|---|
| Pages (from-to) | 72-6 |
| Number of pages | 5 |
| Journal | Current allergy and asthma reports |
| Volume | 7 |
| Issue number | 1 |
| Publication status | Published - Apr 2007 |
| Externally published | Yes |
Keywords
- Asthma/etiology
- Cost-Benefit Analysis
- Humans
- Influenza Vaccines/immunology
- Vaccination/economics
- Viral Vaccines/immunology