[Reactogenicity of the simultaneous administration of influenza and pneumococcal vaccines in adults over 55 years of age].
BACKGROUND
Pneumonia is the principal cause of morbidity and mortality in PEMEX medical services. Vaccination against influenza is 72% effective in preventing hospitalizations and 87% effective in preventing deaths related to this virus, and vaccination against pneumococcus is 60% effective in preventing invasive diseases by this microorganism. ACIP recommends use of both vaccines simultaneously in adults over 65 years of age.


OBJECTIVE
To describe the frequency, duration and severity of local and systemic reactions related to the simultaneous administration of vaccines against influenza and pneumococcus in adults over 55 years of age, and compare with reactions related to influenza vaccine.


METHODS
Two hundred-thirty two adults over 55 years of age were randomly assigned to two groups, group A (114 subjects) received influenza vaccine, group B (118 subjects) received influenza and pneumococcus vaccines simultaneously.


RESULTS
Comparing the number of subjects with local reactions on the right arm between groups A and B (17 subjects vs. 27 subjects), differences were not statistically significative (p = 0.121). Systemic reactions were not statistically significative either (p = 0.126) when results were compared between both groups (30 from group A vs. 42 for group B).


CONCLUSIONS
Simultaneous administration of influenza and pneumococcus vaccines has proven to be safety. In the absence of contraindications, there is no reason for not offering both vaccines in the same medical visit.
Ayala-Montiel
Octavio
O
Departamento de Medicina Preventiva, Hospital Central Sur, PEMEX.
Mascareñas de los Santos
César
C
García-Hernández
Delfino
D
Rendón-Muñiz
Jorge
J
García-Olvera
Laura
L
D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007252:Influenza Vaccines / Q000008:administration & dosage* / Q000009:adverse effects* / Q000276:immunology; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D022242:Pneumococcal Vaccines / Q000008:administration & dosage* / Q000009:adverse effects* / Q000276:immunology
D007252:Influenza Vaccines; D022242:Pneumococcal Vaccines