Clinical question
How effective are vaccines against influenza in the elderly?
Bottom line
Older adults receiving the influenza vaccine may have a lower risk of influenza (from 6% to 2.4%), and probably have a lower risk of influenza-like illness (ILI) compared with those who do not receive a vaccination over the course of a single influenza season (from 6% to 3.5%). It is uncertain how big a difference these vaccines would make across different seasons. Very few deaths occurred, and no data on hospitalisations were reported.
Caveat
There was not enough information to assess harms relating to fever and nausea in this population. The available evidence relating to complications was of poor quality, insufficient or old and provided no clear guidance for public health regarding the safety, efficacy or effectiveness of influenza vaccines for people aged 65 years or older.
Context
The consequences of influenza in the elderly (those aged 65 years or older) are complications, hospitalisations and death. The primary goal of influenza vaccination in the elderly is to reduce the risk of death among people who are most vulnerable.
Cochrane Systematic Review
Demicheli V et al. Vaccines for preventing influenza in the elderly. Cochrane Reviews, 2018, Issue 2. Art. No.: CD004876.DOI: 10.1002/14651858. CD004876.pub4. This review contains 8 studies involving over 5000 participants.
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