Research results from J. Puig-Barberą and co-authors update knowledge of flu vaccines
2007 NOV 19 -- Researchers detail in 'Effectiveness of MF59-adjuvanted subunit influenza vaccine in preventing hospitalisations for cardiovascular disease, cerebrovascular disease and pneumonia in the elderly,' new data in flu. "Annual circulation of influenza virus coincides with a peak in cardiovascular and pneumonia mortality/morbidity. This study aimed to determine the effectiveness of MF59-adjuvanted subunit influenza vaccine in preventing hospitalisation due to acute coronary syndrome (ACS), cerebrovascular accident (CVA) and pneumonia in the elderly," scientists writing in the journal Vaccine report. "Three case-control studies were performed during the 2004-2005 influenza season in three health districts in Valencia, Spain (total elderly [>64 years of age] population: n=105,454). Controls were patients admitted for an acute surgical process or trauma within 10 days of case admission. In total, 159 patients were hospitalised for ACS, 148 for CVA and 242 for pneumonia. The risk of hospitalisation after the start of the influenza season was significantly lower in vaccinated patients compared with non-vaccinated patients (adjusted odds ratios: 0.13 [p=0.013] for ACS; 0.07 [p=0.007] for CVA; 0.31 [p=0.005] for pneumonia)," wrote J. Puig-Barberą and colleagues, . The researchers concluded: "During peak virus circulation, vaccination with MF59-adjuvanted subunit influenza vaccine was associated with an 87% relative risk reduction in hospitalisation for ACS, 93% for CVA, and 69% for pneumonia." Puig-Barberą and colleagues published their study in Vaccine (Effectiveness of MF59-adjuvanted subunit influenza vaccine in preventing hospitalisations for cardiovascular disease, cerebrovascular disease and pneumonia in the elderly. Vaccine, 2007;25(42):7313-21). Additional information can be obtained by contacting J. Puig-Barberą, Fundacion de la Sociedad Valenciana de Medicina de Familia y Comunitaria, Valencia, Spain. The publisher of the journal Vaccine can be contacted at: Elsevier Science Ltd., the Boulevard, Langford Lane, Kidlington, Oxford OX5 1GB, Oxon, England. Keywords: Spain, Valencia, Biotechnology, Cardiology, Cardiovascular Disease, Cerebrovascular Disease, Clinical Trial Research, Flu Vaccines, Immunization, Influenza Vaccines, Vaccination. This article was prepared by Pain & Central Nervous System Week editors from staff and other reports. Copyright 2007, Pain & Central Nervous System Week via NewsRx.com.
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