Influenza Vaccine in the Elderly and Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease.

Influenza viruses are RNA viruses that are a major determinant of morbidity and mortality caused by respiratory disease. Influenza is highly contagious and has caused epidemics and pandemics for centuries. Most influenza infections are selflimited, but lower respiratory tract and cardiac complications can result in increases in hospitalizations and deaths. The recommended composition of influenza vaccine is updated annually in order to provide a vaccine that is antigenically well matched with the new influenza virus strains that are expected to cause epidemics. Influenza vaccination significantly reduces mortality; however, approximately one third of elderly Americans are not immunized annually. The nation’s goal is to increase the influenza vaccination rate among the elderly to 90%. Vaccination is the most effective measure for reducing the impact of influenza and is a cost-effective preventive health intervention for the elderly and individuals with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.