ASSESSMENT OF INFLUENZA VACCINATION STATUS IN CHILDREN WITH NEPHROTIC SYNDROME

Background: Nephrotic syndrome (NS) is a common kidney disease in childhood. Children with this condition are at higher risk of developing vaccine-preventable diseases. Prednisolone remains the mainstay for the treatment of NS. Giving influenza vaccination to NS children will significantly lower the risk of NS relapse during the post-vaccination period. Aims and Objectives: To assess the influenza vaccination status in children with nephrotic syndrome. Materials and Methods: Parents/guardians of 69 pediatric patients (<18 years old) diagnosed with NS from February 2022 to January 2023 were surveyed to evaluate influenza immunization status and parental knowledge regarding flu vaccination recommendations. Results:Among 69 patients included in the study, 7 children (10.1%) were vaccinated with inactivated influenza vaccine. Among the 62 parents of unvaccinated children, 21 (33.9%) had concerns about the safety of influenza vaccination, 18 (29%) had concerns about the cost of such vaccine, 17 (27.4%) were not aware of the proper recommendations and 6 (9.7%) had been told by their neighbors and relatives not to vaccinate with such vaccine. Conclusions:Physicians must be aware th