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Effects of influenza vaccination in HIV-infected adults: a double-blind, placebo-controlled trial

Year: 1998

Type: article

Study designs: Randomized Controlled Trial, Clinical Trial

Abstract: Annual influenza vaccine is recommended for persons with HIV infection. Recent reports indicate that immunizations may increase HIV replication in infected individuals. Forty-seven HIV-infected patients were randomized to influenza vaccine or saline placebo using a double blind study design. One month after vaccination, plasma HIV-1 RNA increased in the vaccinated but not placebo group (p = 0.029). At 3 months, CD4% dropped an average of 1.6 points in the vaccinated group compared to an increase of 0.1 points in the placebo group (p = 0.039). Patients on stable antiretroviral regimens had CD4% drop an average of 2.3 points in the vaccinated group at 3 months versus 0.1 points in the placebo group (p = 0.015). It is concluded that HIV-infected patients are at risk for increased HIV replication and decreases in CD4% following influenza vaccination. Since influenza has not been associated with significant morbidity in this population, further study of routine influenza vaccination for HIV-infected patients is warranted.

Source: Vaccine

DOI: 10.1016/s0264-410x(97)00275-2