Influenza vaccination in elderly people

Influenza is an important cause of morbidity and mortality in the elderly. Influenza vaccine has been shown to successfully reduce influenza- and pneumonia-associated hospitalizations and deaths, but the antibody induction by influenza vaccines is not always optimal in the elderly. The lower serological efficacy of influenza vaccines that is often observed in the elderly may be due to a multitude of factors. Here we will discuss some of these factors. These include health status and previous exposures to influenza viruses. In addition, we will discuss possibilities to improve antibody responses to influenza vaccination. (C) 1999 Elsevier Science Inc. All rights reserved.