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Study: Flu vaccination may be less effective in elderly

Infection Control Monitor, February 18, 2005

A new study published in the Archives of Internal Medicine concludes that the influenza vaccine may prevent fewer deaths among the elderly than previous studies suggested.

Meanwhile, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the National Institutes of Health say they continue to support the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices recommendation that people aged 65 or older received flu vaccines each year.

The elderly are at highest risk for complications, hospitalizations, and deaths from influenza. Previous studies have shown that flu vaccines are effective, but it is difficult to measure given the varying severity of the flu from year to year.

In the new study, researchers suggest that more effective vaccines should be developed for the elderly and that flu prevention efforts should improve.

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