Waiting to Vaccinate Older Adults May Reduce Flu Cases, Deaths

A study published in the American Journal of Preventive Medicine found the vaccination of older adults against influenza from October to May instead of August to May could prevent at least 11,400 additional flu cases and hundreds of deaths, reports Healio . However, this effect would not persist in early-peak seasons or if the compressed schedule meant fewer adults received vaccinations. "Delaying influenza vaccination until October can minimize waning protection that occurs as a flu season progresses, but only if there are no signs of an early influenza season peak and persons will return for vaccination in the fall," declared University of Pittsburgh Medical Center Professor Kenneth J. Smith. The investigators determined the effectiveness and protection of the flu vaccine can decline over time, especially among adults 65 or older. "Our analysis suggests that a compressed influenza vaccination season . . . could have public health benefits in older adults during most flu seasons if changing from the current policy — vaccinating as soon as vaccine is available — does not significantly affect overall vaccination rates," Smith noted. "However, compressed vaccination during an early peaking flu season, which is seen about a quarter of the time, could lead to more influenza cases and deaths."