Serum Vitamin D and Immunogenicity of Influenza Vaccination in the Elderly

• Published in: Advances in experimental medicine and biology Vol. 1324; p. 21
• Main Authors: Sławin, Agata, Brydak, Lidia B, Doniec, Zbigniew, Bujnowska-Fedak, Maria, Mastalerz-Migas, Agnieszka
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: United States 2021
• Subjects: Aged; Antibodies, Viral; Humans; Influenza Vaccines; Influenza, Human - prevention & control; Middle Aged; Seasons; Vaccination; Vitamin D; Viral respiratory infection; Immunogenicity; Vitamin D; Influenza; Vaccination; Antihemagglutinin antibodies
• ISSN: 0065-2598
• DOI: 10.1007/5584_2020_580

Vaccination is the most effective preventive measure that reduces the risk of influenza and post-influenza complications. It prevents influenza-related hospitalizations and deaths in 50-60% and about 80% of patients aged over 65, respectively. There is the clinical plausibility of the association between serum vitamin D (VIT D) content and viral respiratory infections. In this study, we addressed the issue of a vitamin D modulatory effect on the immune response to seasonal influenza vaccination in elderly persons. The study comprised 96 participants aged 60-75 during the 2016/17 epidemic season. After the determination of the baseline content of VIT D and anti-hemagglutinin antibodies (H1, H3, and HB), participants were vaccinated with a trivalent vaccine. The content of the anti-hemagglutinin antibodies was rechecked 4-5 weeks afterward, showing inappreciable alterations. The negative findings of this study make the influence of serum VIT D content on the immunogenicity of influenza vaccination highly unlikely in elderly persons.