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Flu Shots May Not Save Lives Among Elderly

Study finds almost no impact on death rates for those over 70

By Colleen Barry,  Newser Staff

Posted Sep 26, 2007 4:16 AM CDT

(Newser) – The effectiveness of flu shots in the elderly has been highly exaggerated and the vaccination appears to have little impact on death rates among people over 70, according to a study published in the Lancet. The shots do help people under age 65, researchers concluded. The vaccinations are less effective in older people in part because their immune systems raise fewer antibodies.

The findings may threaten the success of health officials' efforts to boost the number of Americans obtaining the vaccinations as they launch the annual flu shot campaign. The US Centers for Disease Controls will continue to recommend the shots for the elderly and the study's lead author said that a "partly effective vaccine is better than no vaccine at all."

A local union offers flu shots to those who meet the qualifications set by the US Department of Health.
A local union offers flu shots to those who meet the qualifications set by the US Department of Health.   (Magnum Photos)
A flu shot is administered in Barre, Vt., Thursday, Nov. 18, 2004. Flu vaccine manufacturers said on Thursday, Apr. 19, 2007 that they expect to have a record 132 million doses ready for the 2007-2008 flu season. (AP Photo/Toby Talbot)
A flu shot is administered in Barre, Vt., Thursday, Nov. 18, 2004. Flu vaccine manufacturers said on Thursday, Apr. 19, 2007 that they expect to have a record 132 million doses ready for the 2007-2008...   (Associated Press)
A man fills out paperwork to get a flu shot.
A man fills out paperwork to get a flu shot.   (Getty Images)
Los Angeles Sponsors Free Drive-thru Flu Shot Clinic
Los Angeles Sponsors Free Drive-thru Flu Shot Clinic   (Getty Images)
Elderly people at flu shot clinic.
Elderly people at flu shot clinic.   (KRT Photos)
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