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. 2003 Dec;55(6):569-72.
doi: 10.1016/s0022-3999(03)00073-4.

Life events, perceived stress and antibody response to influenza vaccination in young, healthy adults

Victoria E Burns  1 , Douglas Carroll, Mark Drayson, Martin Whitham, Christopher Ring
Affiliations

Life events, perceived stress and antibody response to influenza vaccination in young, healthy adults

Victoria E Burns et al. J Psychosom Res. 2003 Dec.

Abstract

Objectives: Chronic stress has been associated with impaired response to influenza vaccination in the elderly. This study investigated whether mild, intermittent stress experienced by young, healthy adults has a similar effect.

Methods: Antibody and psychological status were determined prevaccination and 5 weeks and 5 months later; a fourfold increase in antibody to at least one viral strain was considered protective.

Results: At 5 months, unprotected participants reported significantly more life events and tended to report more perceived stress than those who were protected.

Conclusions: Psychological stress is detrimental to long-term maintenance of antibody levels following vaccination in young, healthy adults.

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