tetano
Editor, Senior Moderator
Vaccination against flu appears to be less effective in people who take statins, according to two new studies.
The drugs, to lower cholesterol in people at risk of heart disease, are widely prescribed by GPs. Many taking them will be over 65 and offered a flu jab as the winter approaches. But the studies, published in the Journal of Infectious Diseases, suggest that they may not be well protected.
The research suggests that statins impair the ability of the body?s immune system to fight off flu, leaving older adults vulnerable to the virus. If the results are confirmed by further research, the authors say there may have to be changes in the recommendations around flu vaccination ? possibly a stronger vaccine dose or for people to stop taking the pills around the time it is given.
http://www.theguardian.com/society/...pear-less-effective-for-people-taking-statins
The drugs, to lower cholesterol in people at risk of heart disease, are widely prescribed by GPs. Many taking them will be over 65 and offered a flu jab as the winter approaches. But the studies, published in the Journal of Infectious Diseases, suggest that they may not be well protected.
The research suggests that statins impair the ability of the body?s immune system to fight off flu, leaving older adults vulnerable to the virus. If the results are confirmed by further research, the authors say there may have to be changes in the recommendations around flu vaccination ? possibly a stronger vaccine dose or for people to stop taking the pills around the time it is given.
http://www.theguardian.com/society/...pear-less-effective-for-people-taking-statins