Revisiting the Safety of Vaccination against the Flu in Elderly Patients

Abstract. Elderly patients are at higher risk of developing infectious diseases that might have more severe progression than those of younger age groups, accompanied by an increased risk of death. These medical conditions in elderly may also present difficulties for diagnosis due to a «blurred» clinical picture. By WHO recommendations the vaccination against influenza is one of the most effective ways to prevent this type of infection in elderly patients. However the use of vaccines may be associated with a risk of adverse drug reactions. In most cases, they have subclinical manifestations and/or non-severe clinical manifestations (adverse reactions), but in a relatively small percentage of cases, the use of vaccines may be associated with a risk of developing serious post-vaccination complications (anaphylaxis, Guillain-Barre syndrome etc.). This article represents data on the safety of influenza vaccines in patients over 60 years old, with due regard to immunosenescence. According to the authors opinion, this will improve the safety of vaccination against influenza patients 60 years and older. At the end of the article, the authors conclude that despite the potential risks, the by the benefits of the use of influenza vaccines continue to overweight potential risks and vaccination of elderly people is effective and safe way to prevent influenza. To improve the effectiveness of vaccination of patients 60 years and older the use of high dose vaccines and adjuvants can be recommended.

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