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The Flu Shot and Diabetes

Antorio Rozier, Pharm.D Candidate 2014

Tiffaney Threatt, PharmD

Presbyterian College School of Pharmacy

The influenza vaccine is an important preventative care measure for everyone; however people with diabetes are prone to illness due to their compromised immune systems. As a result, this population is more likely to suffer from complications associated with the flu. It is recommended that people with diabetes should get the flu shot every year. Though a flu shot does not provide 100% protection, it may significantly reduce the risk of complications, hospitalizations, and even death.  In some observational studies of patients with diabetes who received the flu vaccine, complications were reduced by 56%, hospitalizations reduced by 54%, and deaths reduced by 58%.¹  It has been suggested though that recent studies which account for confounding factors (e.g., dementia, challenges with self-care) may provide more plausible, lower estimates for reduction in hospitalization and mortality.² 

The ideal time to receive the flu shot is as soon as it is available. It typically takes about two weeks after vaccination for antibodies to develop in the body and provide protection against the influenza virus. During that two week window of time, patients are still at greater risk for contracting the flu. Duration of effectiveness is expected to last for the flu season which usually peaks in January or February, but can peak as late as May. The injectable inactivated influenza vaccine does not contain any live virus components; this eliminates the possibility of a patient contracting the flu from the vaccine.

For individuals experiencing a cold or other respiratory illness, administration of the flu shot should be delayed until symptoms have resolved. Until recently, having a severe egg allergy would have prevented patients from receiving the influenza vaccine. However, alternative influenza vaccines, such as Flublok® and Flucelvax®, are now available. These vaccines, manufactured without being grown on eggs and then chemically inactivated, are appropriate for those with a severe allergy to eggs. For more information on flu vaccine options in regards to indication, administration and age-appropriateness, visit http://www.cdc.gov/flu/protect/vaccine/vaccines.htm . Additional information regarding the flu vaccine in the diabetes population and campaign materials may be found at http://www.cdc.gov/diabetes/pubs/flu_campaign.htm.

References:

1. Looijmans-Van den Akker I, Verheij TJ, Buskens E, Nichol KL, Rutten GE, Hak E. Clinical effectiveness of first and repeat influenza vaccination in adult and elderly diabetic patients. Diabetes Care 2006;29: 1771–6.
2. Prevention and Control of Seasonal Influenza with Vaccines: Recommendations of the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices. MMWR Recommendations and Reports. 2013; 62(7)