[Reactogenicity of the simultaneous administration of influenza and pneumococcal vaccines in adults over 55 years of age]

Abstract

Background: Pneumonia is the principal cause of morbidity and mortality in PEMEX medical services. Vaccination against influenza is 72% effective in preventing hospitalizations and 87% effective in preventing deaths related to this virus, and vaccination against pneumococcus is 60% effective in preventing invasive diseases by this microorganism. ACIP recommends use of both vaccines simultaneously in adults over 65 years of age.

Objectives: To describe the frequency, duration and severity of local and systemic reactions related to the simultaneous administration of vaccines against influenza and pneumococcus in adults over 55 years of age, and compare with reactions related to influenza vaccine.

Material and methods: Two hundred-thirty two adults over 55 years of age were randomly assigned to two groups, group A (114 subjects) received influenza vaccine, group B (118 subjects) received influenza and pneumococcus vaccines simultaneously.

Results: Comparing the number of subjects with local reactions on the right arm between groups A and B (17 subjects vs. 27 subjects), differences were not statistically significative (p = 0.121). Systemic reactions were not statistically significative either (p = 0.126) when results were compared between both groups (30 from group A vs. 42 for group B).

Conclusions: Simultaneous administration of influenza and pneumococcus vaccines has proven to be safety. In the absence of contraindications, there is no reason for not offering both vaccines in the same medical visit.