Fresh doubts over flu vaccination

[Soroush Ebrahimi]

http://www.pulsetoday.co.uk/newsarticle ... ts-over-fl
u-vaccination?sp_rid=NjU3NzMyMTU1MgS2&sp_mid=37280427

Fresh doubts over flu vaccination
26 Oct 2011
A major new study has cast fresh doubt on the effectiveness of flu vaccination, with researchers
warning evidence of high-level protection was 'elusive', particularly in high-risk patients.
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US researchers collated influenza-specific outcomes from 31 studies of flu vaccination, after
concerns reporting of non-specific outcomes such as death rates could have over-estimated vaccine
benefits. Their systematic review, published this week by Lancet Infectious Diseases, estimated
immunisation with trivalent inactivated vaccines only had 59% efficacy against flu in healthy
adults.
The study comes amid debate over whether GPs who refuse vaccination are 'selfish'. It highlights
stark gaps in evidence for effectiveness in certain age groups, saying evidence in patients over 65
- one of the Department of Health's at-risk groups - is 'lacking'. The study also raised concerns
that protection against swine flu offered by vaccines was 'not adequate' for pandemics, after
finding a median effectiveness of 69% in people aged under 65.
Study leader Professor Michael Osterholm, director of the centre for infectious disease research and
policy at the University of Minnesota, US, said: 'Evidence for consistent high-level protection is
elusive for the present generation of vaccines, especially in individuals at risk of complications
or those aged 65 years or older. There is an urgent need for a new generation of more highly
effective vaccines.'
Dr Margaret McCartney, a GP in Glasgow, said the study exposed the lack of 'quality evidence'
available on flu vaccination: 'The bottom line is we need better quality of evidence.'
'Cochrane keeps telling us that. I'd like to be in a trial, but the DH seem to consider that it's
too hard to do. That is at odds with work that has already been done.'
A DH Spokesperson said. 'We welcome this new analysis of existing studies - the results are broadly
similar to previous results. As per the authors' note, the present vaccines are the best
intervention available to protect against seasonal influenza.'
'The flu vaccination programme is based on independent expert advice from JCVI, and we recommend
that people eligible for a flu vaccine take up the offer as it is the best way to protect yourself
against flu.'
Lancet Infectious Diseases 2011, published online 26 October


Best Regards
Soroush