Schedule of pneumococcal conjugated vaccination and incidence of asthmatic exacerbation in children

Abstract

Background: Chronic asthma is a complex condition. An abrupt rise in eosinophil counts, deterioration of asthma symptoms, increased reliance on bronchodilators with or without oral/IV corticosteroids, and a higher frequency of emergency room visits with hospitalisations or antibiotic use have been identified as indicators of the effectiveness of the pneumococcal conjugate vaccine in preventing illness. Aim: The objective of this study was to assess the clinical importance of scheduling the pneumococcal conjugate vaccine in reducing the occurrences of asthma exacerbations and their subsequent complications in children, as previously described. Methods: A study at Queen Rania Abdullah for Children Hospital in Amman, Jordan, examined 200 children aged 3-14 with chronic asthma who were hospitalized from 2022 to 2023 due to wheezing. The children were divided into four groups based on their experience with the flu vaccine and PCV13. The study used a detailed questionnaire to gather information about the children's background, health history, vaccination history, and vaccination history. The results were analyzed using chi-square testing and a 95% confidence interval. Results: A paediatric clinic in Jordan had 200 asthmatic kids, with 40.5% having not received the flu or PCV13 shot. The remaining 43.5% had received the flu shot but forgot to get the PCV13. About 11% of the kids in Group II were asthmatic and received both the flu shot and PCV 13. The study found a positive correlation between Groups I-IV for men but not for women. Age groups had similar distribution rates, with 21.0% for ages 3 to 6, 34.0% for ages 6 to 9, 37.5% for ages 9 to 12, and 7.5% for ages 12 to 15. There was a strong link between the rates of wheezing episodes in Groups I through IV compared to rates of occasional versus frequent episodes in the past seasonal year.