With winter and flu season in full effect, you probably have made up your mind about the much debated Swine Flu Vaccination. But for some parents whose children suffer from asthma and other conditions, the jury is still out. Here is a question from one of our readers:

Q: Is it safe for children with asthma to have the Swine Flu vaccine? What child might not be a candidate for the Swine Flu vaccine or any other vaccine? Are there any risks for children with asthma and any other vaccine?

Parents Ask expert and pediatrician Dr. Guy Efron answers: 

1) Absolutely safe for kids with asthma to get the swine flu vaccine, although it is recommended to get  the killed/inactivated vaccine (aka injection and not live nasal) for this risk group.  In fact, since kids with asthma are at higher risk for complications of flu (ie secondary pneumonia, wheezing etc), it is crucial that this high risk group be vaccinated



2) As for groups who should not get H1N1 vaccine(or should at least consult with doctor prior to receiving these vaccines)...anyone with severe allergy to eggs or any other substance in the vaccine, or kids who have had severe allergic reactions to seasonal flu vaccines, or any child with history of Guillain Barre Syndrome



3) In general, kids with asthma should avoid live flu and seasonal flu vaccines, but should receive the inactivated types.  Again, it is even more important for this high risk group to be vaccinated against as many illnesses as possible given their penchant for developing secondary respiratory complications.

Dr. Guy Efron received his Medical Degree from Tel Aviv University, Sackler Faculty School of Medicine after receiving a Bachelor’s Degree in History from the University of California at Berkeley. He completed his residency in Pediatrics at the highly acclaimed Childrens Hospital of Los Angeles. Dr. Efron is a spokesperson for Similac, an active member of the American Academy of Pediatrics and was given the distinguished honor of being named Cedars-Sinai’s Pediatrician of the Year, 2008.