Authors' objectives:

To summarise the evidence relating to influenza vaccination in older people.

Authors' recommendations: Most deaths related to influenza occur in people over 65, and those with underlying chronic medical conditions are at particularly high risk. Modern influenza vaccines are effective and free from serious side effects. Research evidence shows that annual influenza vaccination of all older people is a cost effective way of reducing influenza-related deaths and illness. All people over 65 should be considered for influenza vaccination If supplies are insufficient to offer vaccine to all people over 65, priority should be given to people in high risk groups, hospitals, nursing homes and long stay facilities. People should be offered vaccination annually in October/early November to ensure maximum protection. Local policies are needed to promote high rates of influenza vaccination for older people and others at high risk.

Authors' methods: Systematic review

Project Status: Completed

URL for project: http://www.york.ac.uk/inst/crd/em.htm

Year Published: 1996

English language abstract: An English language summary is available

Publication Type: Not Assigned

Country: England

Organisation Name: University of York

Contact Address: University of York, York, Y01 5DD, United Kingdom. Tel: +44 1904 321040, Fax: +44 1904 321041,

Contact Name: crd@york.ac.uk

Contact Email: crd@york.ac.uk

Copyright: Centre for Reviews and Dissemination