Sickle cell disease with complicated influenza B virus infection.

The Committee on Infectious Diseases of the American Academy of Pediatrics, and the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices of the Center for Disease Control for many years have recommended the routine use of influenza vaccine in various hemoglobinopathies including sickle cell disease. This recommendation, however, has not been included in the patient care protocols of the Comprehensive Sickle Cell Centers program of NIHLB. Most clinicians have not used yearly influenza vaccine for their patients with sickle cell disease.