Flu and Vaccination

Annual Influenza Vaccination Is Critical For Older Adults^1,2

Avoiding influenza may reduce the risk of influenza-related heart attack³:

META-ANALYSIS: Estimates of interventional efficacy in secondary prevention of myocardial infarction³

Avoiding influenza can help reduce the risk of severe outcomes⁴:

In 124,503 people with type 2 diabetes, from 2003-2010, influenza vaccination was associated with substantial reductions in hospital admission rates.⁴

^aNot significant.
AMI=acute myocardial infarction.

The CDC Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) recommends routine annual influenza vaccination for all eligible persons aged ≥6 months⁵:

While the ACIP recommends all persons aged 6 months and older who do not have contraindications receive an influenza vaccine, it is especially important for populations who are at increased risk for severe illness and medical complications. These include, but are not limited to, adults aged 50 years and older and people who have⁵:

Chronic pulmonary disorders (including asthma)
Cardiovascular diseases (excluding isolated hypertension)
Metabolic disorders (including diabetes)

The ACIP recommends being vaccinated against influenza by the end of October each year⁵:

Since the timing of the influenza season is unpredictable and vaccine-induced immunity may wane over time, the ACIP suggests the following timing recommendations⁵:

DON’T VACCINATE TOO EARLY: Early vaccination in July or August for nonpregnant adults should be avoided because it may be associated with decreased vaccine effectiveness before the end of the influenza season, especially for older adults.⁵

OFFER VACCINATIONS THROUGH FLU SEASON: Vaccination should continue to be offered as long as influenza viruses are circulating.⁵

References

Estimated flu-related illnesses, medical visits, hospitalizations, and deaths in the United States — 2019–2020 flu season. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. October 1, 2021. Accessed November 11, 2021. https://www.cdc.gov/flu/about/burden/2019-2020.html
Flu & people 65 years and older. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. August 26, 2021. Accessed November 11, 2021. https://www.cdc.gov/flu/highrisk/65over.htm
MacIntyre CR, Mahimbo A, Moa AM, Barnes M. Influenza vaccine as a coronary intervention for prevention of myocardial infarction. Heart. 2016;102:1953-1956.
Vamos EP, Pape UJ, Curcin V, et al. Effectiveness of the influenza vaccine in preventing admission to hospital and death in people with type 2 diabetes. CMAJ. 2016;188(14):E342-E351.
Grohskopf LA, Alyanak E, Ferdinands JM, et al. Prevention and control of seasonal influenza with vaccines: recommendations of the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices, United States, 2021–22 influenza season. MMWR. 2021;70(5):1-28. doi:10.15585/mmwr.rr7005a1