Statins may reduce the effectiveness of the influenza vaccine. Scientists recommend additional research to understand the mechanisms at work.
New debate on statins. According to two studies published in The Journal of Infectious Diseases, taking these cholesterol medications will reduce the effectiveness of the flu shot.
During an influenza epidemic, the elderly are among the populations at risk. WHO, like the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), advocates vaccination at all ages, but particularly emphasizes seniors. However, they are also very numerous to take statins, to regulate their cholesterol level and reduce the risk of cardiovascular diseases.
Less antibodies
In the first study, the researchers wanted to know if these drugs could have an impact on the results of the vaccination. After analysis, they conclude that statins reduce the magnitude of the immune response to the vaccine.
The researchers therefore focused on the 2009-10 and 2010-11 vaccination campaigns. They looked at the health data of nearly 7,000 American adults, over the age of 65.
Their analysis indicated that the level of antibodies measured in the blood is lower in people on statins, and in particular when they are treated with synthetic statins.
This problem may be particularly important in the United States, where, unlike in Europe, vaccines do not contain adjuvants intended to enhance the immune response.
Respiratory diseases
The second study on the subject looked at how statins reduced the vaccine’s ability to prevent serious respiratory disease. A team from Emory University in the United States analyzed medical data from 140,000 patients in the state of Georgia, collected between 2002 and 2011.
According to the scientists, the vaccine showed reduced efficacy in people taking statins, who were also at greater risk of developing respiratory complications and illnesses due to the lack of efficacy.
These conclusions could lead health authorities to revise some of the recommendations in force on influenza vaccination. Nevertheless, the researchers believe that further research on the subject must be carried out before modifying current practices.
Scientists especially want to learn more about the mechanisms at work. At this time, they are unable to explain how statins can reduce the immune response and the effectiveness of vaccines.
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