Frequency of adverse reactions to influenza vaccine in the elderly: a randomized, placebo-controlled trial

Article Abstract:

Although vaccination against influenza can reduce the considerable rates of illness and death associated with this disease in high-risk patients and the elderly, relatively few of these people actually get vaccinated. This is due, in part, to suspicions regarding side effects harbored by many people since an earlier time when vaccines did, in fact, produce adverse reactions. To evaluate the frequency and severity of side effects associated with the 1988 to 1989 trivalent split-antigen influenza vaccine, a study was performed on 336 outpatients at a Department of Veterans Affairs Medical Center. The patients were injected in the arm with either the vaccine or a placebo (inactive drug) and then answered questions one week later regarding side effects. After one more week, they received placebo or vaccine (the agent they had not received the first time) in the other arm and then underwent questioning about side effects seven days later. Thus, a comparison could be made between the side effects associated with influenza vaccine and with the placebo. Results showed that few subjects experienced side effects such as fever, cough, cold, fatigue, or related symptoms after either injection. There were no differences in symptom frequency or severity after influenza vaccine as compared with placebo, and the only symptom that was reported more often after vaccination was a sore arm. Thus, it appears that influenza vaccine is not associated with side effects. The results, however, may not have applicability to all groups of people, since the subjects were primarily older men, and systemic reactions to vaccines appear to occur most often in young women. (Consumer Summary produced by Reliance Medical Information, Inc.)

Health aspects, Complications and side effects, Aged men, Elderly men

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Lessons from the influenza vaccine recall of 1996-97

Article Abstract:

In November, 1996, the manufacturer of the influenza vaccine Fluogen recalled 11 lots of the vaccine because they were considered to be less potent than needed. Most physicians did not receive notice of this until after the media had erroneously implied that the vaccine was not safe. The disastrous swine flu vaccine program of the 1970's may have made consumers leary of vaccines. Physicians need to reassure their patients that influenza vaccine is safe and effective. The CDC and the FDA have recommended that high-risk individuals be re-vaccinated.

Product defects and recalls, Warner-Lambert Co. Parke-Davis Div.

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Effectiveness of Live, Attenuated Intranasal Influenza Virus Vaccine in Healthy, Working Adults

Article Abstract:

An intranasal influenza vaccine appears to effectively reduce the occurrence of influenza-related illness and absenteeism. Researchers assigned 4,561 adults to receive either a live, trivalent intranasal vaccine or a placebo. Vaccination reduced the rate of severe fever by 19% and the rate of fever with upper respiratory illness 24%, compared to the placebo treatment. Vaccinated people missed fewer days of work, had fewer visits to health care providers, and had fewer days of illness.

United States, Statistical Data Included, Evaluation, Intranasal medication, Nasal sprays

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