SAMA-SA Pulmonology Society Working Group
Adult influenza vaccination guideline. SAMA-SA Pulmonology Society Working Group
Abstract
To outline a rational cost-effective protocol for influenza vaccination of adults in South Africa. VACCINE DESCRIPTION: An inactivated (killed) virus vaccine containing three virus strains representing those most likely to circulate in the southern hemisphere during the upcoming winter. Vaccine success depends on the patient's age, immune system status, and degree of similarity of the virus strains contained in the vaccine to those circulating in the community.
Vaccination is: potentially beneficial to any individual very effective in young otherwise healthy individuals targeted at high-risk groups when there is limited availability and cost considerations.
Detailed literature review with emphasis on local South African studies. Benefits, harms, costs. Successful vaccination may be effective in protecting against acute respiratory tract infection, and preventing hospitalisation, complicating pneumonia and death. The vaccine is safe with only occasional reports of anaphylaxis. Contraindications to the vaccine are anaphylactic hypersensitivity to eggs, allergy to other components of the vaccine, and acute severe febrile illness. Vaccine cost-effectiveness has been confirmed in several groups, including healthy working adults, elderly living in the community, elderly with underlying chronic medical disorders.
Endorsement by the SA Pulmonology Society, SAMA and all who attended a multidisciplinary consensus meeting to consider the draft guideline.
Source and rights
Published by South African medical journal = Suid-Afrikaanse tydskrif vir geneeskunde, 1999. The guideline itself is at the source linked here.
Prognia summarises this guideline for reference and education. It is not medical advice. Always check the official guideline and current local protocols before acting on it.
