Influenza vaccination in immunocompromised patients: efficacy and safety.
Yearly administration of the influenza vaccine is the main strategy to prevent influenza in immunocompromised patients. Here, we reviewed the recent literature regarding the clinical significance of the influenza virus infection, as well as the immunogenicity and safety of the influenza vaccine in HIV‑infected individuals, solid-organ and stem-cell transplant recipients and patients receiving biological agents. Epidemiological data produced during the 2009 influenza pandemic have confirmed that immunocompromised patients remain at high risk of influenza-associated complications, namely viral and bacterial pneumonia, hospitalization and even death. The immunogenicity of the influenza vaccine is overall reduced in immunocompromised patients, although a significant clinical protection from influenza is expected to be obtained with vaccination. Influenza vaccination is safe in immunocompromised patients. The efficacy of novel strategies to improve the immunogenicity to the vaccine, such as the use of adjuvanted vaccines, boosting doses and intradermal vaccination, needs to be validated in appropriately powered clinical trials.
Infectious Diseases Service, University Hospital, University of Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland.
Delphine
D
Zbinden
Oriol
O
Manuel
D000956:Antigens, Viral / Q000276:immunology; D001691:Biological Therapy / Q000009:adverse effects; D015658:HIV Infections / Q000276:immunology*; D006801:Humans; D007109:Immunity; D016867:Immunocompromised Host; D007165:Immunosuppression Therapy / Q000009:adverse effects; D007252:Influenza Vaccines; D007251:Influenza, Human / Q000276:immunology* / Q000517:prevention & control*; D009975:Orthomyxoviridae / Q000276:immunology*; D012306:Risk; D014180:Transplantation; D014611:Vaccination
D000956:Antigens, Viral; D007252:Influenza Vaccines