Influenza Vaccination and COPD: Recommendations and Realities

Vozoris N. Influenza Vaccination and COPD: Recommendations and Realities.  Annals of Respiratory Medicine, February 2010; 1(1):19-22

Review Article


T Nicholas Vozoris
Affiliation: Division of Respirology, Department of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada


ABSTRACT

Respiratory exacerbations are characteristic of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and are associated with poorer health outcomes. The seasonal influenza virus is a common viral pathogen in COPD exacerbations. Prevention of influenza‐related exacerbations is therefore important. The objectives of this review article are to summarize current international guidelines regarding seasonal influenza vaccination in COPD, and then to discuss two important issues relating to influenza vaccination in COPD: the low uptake of influenza vaccination and the conflicting nature of the evidence regarding its effectiveness. Despite strong universal recommendation for a broad influenza vaccination strategy in COPD, influenza vaccine uptake in COPD is low internationally, and studies examining vaccine effectiveness in COPD show mixed results. Demonstrating and disseminating evidence of the potential merits of influenza vaccination in COPD is necessary before we can confidently and successfully pursue policies of mass vaccination.

Keywords: seasonal influenza virus, influenza vaccination, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease
Correspondence: Nicholas Vozoris, Division of Respirology, Department of Medicine, University of Toronto, Medical Sciences Building, Room 6263, 1 King’s College Circle, Toronto, Ontario, Canada, M5S 1A8. Tel: (1)‐416‐978‐1562; Fax: (1)‐416‐971‐2112; e‐mail: nick.vozoris@utoronto.ca