People With Diabetes Should Be Encouraged to Get an Annual Flu Vaccination

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Clinical effectiveness of first and repeat influenza vaccination in adult and elderly diabetic patients, by I. Looijmans-Van den Akker and colleagues. Diabetes Care 29:1771–1776, 2006

Why did the researchers do this particular study?

There’s a lot of disagreement on whether getting an influenza vaccine, or a “flu shot,” is good for people with diabetes. The researchers wanted to see if getting a flu shot is good for people with diabetes.

Who was studied?

Adults with type 2 diabetes.

How was the study done?

This study was part of the Prevention of Influenza, Surveillance and Management (PRISMA) study, which took place during the 1999–2000 flu epidemic. The researchers looked at whether getting a flu shot helped people who had type 2 diabetes, the flu, and other health problems (such as emphysema, asthma, bronchitis; heart attack or stroke; or high blood glucose levels). They compared the results with patients who had diabetes and were recommended to get a flu shot, but didn’t have any other major health problems.

What did the researchers find?

Getting an influenza vaccination lowered the likelihood to have other health problems, to be hospitalized, or to die unexpectedly. The benefits were greater among adults younger than 65 years old and among those who were getting a repeat vaccination (or people who were vaccinated the year before).

What are the limitations of the study?

The researchers did not have information on whether the patients had type 1 or type 2 diabetes, and they didn’t have information on the patients’ ethnic backgrounds.

What are the implications of the study?

Like other high-risk groups, patients with diabetes really benefit from getting a flu shot. More needs to be done to encourage patients with diabetes to get vaccinated every year. If you have diabetes, please consult with your doctor about what you need to do to get an influenza vaccination in your area.

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