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How Effective Are Flu Shots?

Posting Date: 10/24/2005

A systematic review of many studies of flu vaccine effectiveness suggests that vaccinating elderly people in nursing homes is about 23 percent effective in protecting them from flu-like illness (Lancet, Oct. 1, 2005). According to the researchers, ?In elderly individuals living in the community, vaccines were not significantly effective against influenza, influenza-like illness, or pneumonia.?

Of course, this does not mean older people should skip their annual flu shots. But it does mean that we need better data--or better vaccines.

In the meantime, people may want to talk to their physicians about antiviral medications. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, old-fashioned drugs such as amantadine and rimantadine ?are approximately 70 percent to 90 percent effective in preventing symptoms of influenza A illness.?

Newer flu medicines have fewer side effects and work against type B as well as type A flu. These drugs, Tamiflu and Relenza, are the only drugs also proven to fend off bird flu.

Let?s hope that this virus does not mutate and create a worldwide pandemic this winter. There?s still no vaccine to protect people against this disease and even if there were, it would take many months to make enough for everyone.

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Joe Graedon is a pharmacologist. Teresa Graedon holds a doctorate in medical anthropology and is a nutrition expert. Their syndicated radio show can be heard on public radio. In their column, Joe and Teresa Graedon answer letters from readers. Write to them in care of this newspaper or e-mail them via their Web site: www.PeoplesPharmacy.org.

2005 King Features Syndicate, Inc.