Vaccine May Not Prevent Influenza in Children with Leukemia
Influenza vaccination does not prevent the flu among pediatric patients undergoing treatment for leukemia, according to a recent study. The findings suggest a need for additional steps to protect high-risk individuals from the virus.
Previous research has suggested that 28% to 100% of pediatric patients with cancer vaccinated against influenza develop adequate levels of antibodies. However, the researchers observed influenza-like symptoms among vaccinated patients, prompting their investigation into the vaccine’s efficacy in this patient population.
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The retrospective study included 498 patients who were being treated for acute leukemia at St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital during 3 successive influenza seasons. A total of 354 patients received the trivalent influenza vaccine, which matched the circulating viruses during each season, and 144 patients were not vaccinated.
Overall, the researchers found no significant differences between the rates of confirmed influenza and influenza-like illness among those who were vaccinated and those who were not vaccinated. Vaccination was not associated with delays in the onset of confirmed influenza or influenza-like illness.
Additionally, the booster vaccine dose, which was administered to 98 patients, was not associated with reductions in influenza or influenza-like illness.
"This is preliminary data. The annual flu shot, whose side effects are generally mild and short-lived, is still recommended for patients with acute leukemia who are being treated for their disease," the authors concluded. "However, the results do highlight the need for additional research in this area and for us to redouble our efforts to protect our patients through other means."2
—Melissa Weiss
Reference:
Flu vaccine failed to protect young leukemia patients during cancer treatment [press release]. Memphis, TN: St. Jude’s Children's Research Hospital; October 16, 2017. https://www.stjude.org/media-resources/news-releases/2017-medicine-science-news/flu-vaccine-failed-to-protect-young-leukemia-patients.html. Accessed October 16, 2017.