Flu Shot May Not Be As Beneficial

A new medical study shows that the influenza vaccine may not be as beneficial to elderly persons as previously believed.

A new medical study shows that the influenza vaccine may not be as beneficial to elderly persons as previously believed. According to Lone Simonsen, Ph.D., of George Washington University there is little evidence of any mortality benefit to persons 65 and older.

It has been suggested by the Center For Disease Control that all high-risk people including the elderly and those with weak immune systems be vaccinated annually to prevent the flu. As a result, many older men and women are vaccinated right before and during flu season.

One study stated: “the remaining evidence is not sufficient to show that vaccination substantially reduces the risk of influenza-related mortality among elderly people,”

Local medical professionals in the Memphis area suggest that high-risk patients continue to be vaccinated until further unbiased studies show more accurate results.