March 10, 2010 – The effectiveness of the seasonal influenza vaccine in the elderly is modest, according to researchers who analyzed 75 clinical trials published in the past 40 years1.
However, vaccinated elderly people who live in residences would be better protected against the spread of influenza since they are in contact with less virus than those who live in communities, say the authors of the study.
The researchers found that the vast majority of studies analyzed did not provide clear indications about the safety or effectiveness of influenza vaccines for people 65 years of age and older.
They found only one clinical trial that demonstrated a reliable result of the effectiveness of the vaccination, a 43% reduction in the risk of influenza-like illness and a 58% reduction in the risk of influenza.
The authors of the study do not, however, advise against vaccination in the elderly since they represent the group most at risk of complications. However, they suggest that vaccination is always accompanied by preventive lifestyle measures – such as hand washing – to ensure better protection.
Carole Boulé – PasseportSanté.net
1. Di Pietrantonj C, Al-Ansary LA et al. Vacines for preventing influenza in the elderly, Cochrane Database Syst Rev. 2010 Feb 17.
