Absence of adverse outcomes for children exposed to H1N1 flu vaccine in utero

Canadian researchers have recently published the results of a major study that was conducted to assess any association between exposure to 2009 pandemic H1N1 (pH1N1) influenza vaccination during pregnancy and negative health outcomes seen in early childhood. Over 100,000 live births from November 2009 to October 2010 were included, and children were followed until 5 years of age. Of these, 31 295 children (30%) were exposed to pH1N1 influenza vaccination in utero. NO significant associations were found with upper or lower respiratory infections, otitis media, any infectious diseases, neoplasms, sensory disorders, urgent and inpatient health services use, pediatric complex chronic conditions, or mortality. The authors use these results to further advocate for the safety of influenza, rightly so in view of continued flu-related morbidity and mortality. The full study can be accessed here.