Hostname: page-component-8448b6f56d-tj2md Total loading time: 0 Render date: 2024-04-24T21:38:48.231Z Has data issue: false hasContentIssue false
  • English
  • Français

Study of the effectiveness of influenza vaccination in the elderly in the epidemic of 1989–90 using a general practice database

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  15 May 2009

D. M. Fleming ,
J. M. Watson ,
S. Nicholas ,
G. E. Smith  and
A. V. Swan
D. M. Fleming
Affiliation:
Birmingham Research Unit of the Royal College of General Practitioners, 54 Lordswood Road, Harborne, Birmingham B17 9DB.
J. M. Watson*
Affiliation:
PHLS Communicable Disease Surveillance Centre, 61 Colindale Avenue, London NW9 5EQ
S. Nicholas
Affiliation:
PHLS Communicable Disease Surveillance Centre, 61 Colindale Avenue, London NW9 5EQ
G. E. Smith
Affiliation:
PHLS Communicable Disease Surveillance Centre, 61 Colindale Avenue, London NW9 5EQ
A. V. Swan
Affiliation:
PHLS Communicable Disease Surveillance Centre, 61 Colindale Avenue, London NW9 5EQ
*
* Author for correspondence and reprint requests.
Rights & Permissions [Opens in a new window]

Summary

Core share and HTML view are not available for this content. However, as you have access to this content, a full PDF is available via the ‘Save PDF’ action button.

The effectiveness of influenza vaccination in preventing serious illness and death was determined in an elderly population during the influenza epidemic of 1989–90. A retrospective cohort study was carried out using computerized general practitioner records on nearly 10000 patients aged 55 years and over. After adjustment for potential confounding factors, recent immunization was found to have a protective effect of 75% (95% confidence intervals: 21–92%) against death. Protection did not appear to vary with either age or the presence of underlying chronic disease. As the complications of influenza are most common in those with underlying chronic disease, the study findings are consistent with the recommended policy for the use of influenza vaccine in the UK. Further work is necessary to determine the cost-effectiveness of extending immunization to other groups.

Type
Research Article
Information
Epidemiology & Infection , Volume 115 , Issue 3 , December 1995 , pp. 581 - 589
Copyright
Copyright © Cambridge University Press 1995

References

1.Fleming, DM, Fullarton, J. The application of a general practice database to pharmacoepidemiology. RCGP Occasional Paper 62. London: RCGP. 1993.Google Scholar
2. The Birmingham Research Unit of the Royal College of General Practitioners. Influenza. JR Coll Gen Pract 1977; 27: 544–51.Google Scholar
3.SPSS Base System User's Guide. Chicago: SPSS. 1990.Google Scholar
4.Francis, B, Green, M, Payne, C eds. The GLIM System Release 4 Manual. Oxford: OUP. 1993.CrossRefGoogle Scholar
5.Respiratory Disease Section. CDSC. Influenza surveillance: 1989/90 season. Coinmun Dis Rep 1990; 42: 2–4.Google Scholar
6.Curwen, M.Dunnell, K.Ashley, J. Hidden influenza deaths: 1989–90. Pop Trends 1990; Autumn: 31–3.Google Scholar
7.Shann, F. Modern vaccines: Pneumococcus and influenza. Lancet 1990; 335: 898–901.CrossRefGoogle ScholarPubMed
8.Nicholson, KG. Influenza vaccination and the elderly B M J 1990; 301: 617–8.Google Scholar
9.Patriarca, PA, Weber, JA, Parker, RA et al. Efficacy of influenza vaccine in nursing homes: reduction in illness and complications during an influenza A (H3N2) epidemic. JAMA 1985; 253: 1136–9.CrossRefGoogle ScholarPubMed
10.Barker, W, Raubertas, R, Menegus, M, O'Brien, D, Freundlich, C, Betts, R. Case control study of influenza vaccine effectiveness in preventing pneumonia hospitalization among older persons. Monroe County. New York. 1989–1992. In: Hannoun, C, Kendal, AP, Klenk, HD, Ruben, FL. eds. Options for the control of influenza II. Amsterdam: Excerpta Medica. 1993; 143–51.Google Scholar
11.Foster, DA, Talsma, A, Furumoto-Dawson, A et al. Influenza vaccine effectiveness in preventing hospitalization for pneumonia in the elderly. Am J Epidemiol 1992; 136: 296–307.CrossRefGoogle ScholarPubMed
12.Strikas, R, Cook, P, Kuller, L et al. Case control study in Ohio and Pennsylvania on prevention of hospitalization by influenza vaccination, In: Hannoun, C, Kendal, AP, Klenk, HD, Ruben, FL, eds. Options for the control of influenza II. Amsterdam: Excerpta Medica. 1993; 153–60.Google Scholar
13.Fedson, DS, Wadja, A, Nicol, JP, Hammond, GW, Kaiser, DL, Roos, LL. Clinical effectiveness of influenza vaccination in Manitoba. JAMA 1993; 270: 1956–61.CrossRefGoogle ScholarPubMed
14.Nichol, KL, Margolis, KL, Wuorenma, J, Von Sternberg, T. The efficacy and cost effectiveness of vaccination against influenza among elderly persons living in the community. N Engl J Med 1994; 331: 778–84.CrossRefGoogle ScholarPubMed
15.Monto, AS. Influenza vaccines for the elderly. N Engl J Med 1994; 331: 807–8.CrossRefGoogle ScholarPubMed
16.Fleming, DM, Cross, KW. Respiratory syncytial virus or influenza? Lancet 1993; 342: 1507– 10.CrossRefGoogle ScholarPubMed
17.Department of Health Welsh Office. Scottish Office Home and Health Department. DHSS (Northern Ireland). Immunisation against infectious disease. London: HMSO, 1992.Google Scholar