Flu shot reduces hospitalizations

HOLLYWOOD, Fla., Nov. 26 (UPI) -- A U.S. study suggests that influenza vaccinations can help reduce the risk of hospitalizations in patients with chronic conditions, researchers said.

Dr. Marsha Moore, senior vice president of medical Affairs at CVS Caremark, said that the study monitored the impact of influenza vaccination on subsequent hospitalization rates for all participants.

The study said that for chronic disease patients who received the influenza vaccine there was a 19 percent reduction in hospitalization for all causes and a 24 percent reduction in flu and pneumonia-related hospitalizations.

The researchers evaluated 19,908 participants enrolled in a comprehensive common chronic disease management program. The subjects were selected from a continuously enrolled population of all ages -- all of whom were predetermined to have one of a number of chronic conditions including asthma, diabetes, coronary artery disease, heart failure or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. Investigators assessed hospital visits in 2006, and the vaccinated and non-vaccinated groups had equal distributions of gender, age and chronic conditions. The presence of influenza vaccine was derived from self-reported patient data as well as medical claims.

By reducing the number of hospitalizations and overall risks of complications the appropriate use of the influenza vaccination could result in a number of benefits for patients, and even lower the costs of care for those who receive the vaccination, Moore said.

The findings were presented at the annual meeting of DMAA: The Care Continuum Alliance in Hollywood, Fla.