Research published by the IFA suggests that influenza vaccination has an additional layer of benefit– preventing frailty
A report released today by the International Federation on Ageing (IFA) highlights a key finding; the annual flu shot may have a protective effect in addition to preventing or reducing the severity of infection.
The “Secondary Benefits of Influenza Vaccination” report found that the influenza vaccine may be effective in reducing the incidence and severity of respiratory and cardiovascular exacerbations, and in lowering the rates of acute events such as heart attack or stroke. The review of literature also found that being vaccinated against influenza could have a protective role in preventing functional decline among older adults, which reduces the incidence of frailty. Those with the most severe cardiovascular and respiratory disease receive the highest level of protection, with no recorded risks from the vaccination detected.