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Influenza vaccination risk group — DCH MCQ

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ModerateImmunisationInfluenza vaccination risk groupDCH

A 17-year-old attends an asthma review in October. During the previous 12 months, he has required three courses of oral prednisolone and one hospital admission for an exacerbation. He is currently well, with no increased wheeze or additional bronchodilator use during the past 72 hours, and has not received this season's influenza vaccine. What is the most appropriate management?

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Correct answer: E — Offer seasonal influenza vaccination now

The correct answer is E. He is in an influenza clinical risk group because his asthma has required repeated systemic corticosteroids and hospital admission. UKHSA recommends offering seasonal influenza vaccination to people aged 6 months or older in these risk groups, ideally before influenza begins circulating. Being well and having had no recent increase in wheeze supports vaccination without delay. Oseltamivir is not routinely prescribed throughout winter as a substitute for vaccination, and neither seasonal timing nor household exposure should delay the vaccine. Asthma is an indication for vaccination rather than a contraindication. Vaccine formulation requires additional consideration during an acute exacerbation or in children requiring regular maintenance oral steroids; a suitable inactivated vaccine can be used when live attenuated influenza vaccine is unsuitable.

Reference: UK Health Security Agency. Immunisation against infectious disease: Chapter 19, Influenza, sections 'Recommendations for the use of the vaccines' and 'Severe asthma or active wheezing'. Updated 11 May 2026. https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/6a0305d5cd2e0e8b5b20b45c/Greenbook_influenza_11May2026.pdf