Thalassaemia and influenza: a consideration.

Autoimmune haemolytic anaemia may occur during the course of influenza A infection2 and if this occurs it may pose a major problem for people with thalassaemia. In France, annual influenza vaccination is recommended and free of charge for children with chronic disease, including thalassaemia.3 In countries where thalassaemia is endemic, such as Thailand, it is also recommended that all people with thalassaemia be vaccinated against influenza.