P2. Vaccinations

P2.1 Influenza vaccination

Influenza vaccination reduces the risk of exacerbations, hospitalisation and death (Nichol et al., 1994),(Poole et al., 2006) [evidence level I]

Annual influenza vaccination reduces by about 50% the development of severe respiratory complications and hospi­talisation or death from both respiratory disease and all causes (Nichol et al., 1994),(Poole et al., 2006) [evidence level I]. The vaccine used in Aus­tralia does not contain a live virus and cannot cause an infection. Adverse effects include a sore arm the following day and possibly a mild fever and arthralgia at five to eight days caused by the immune response. The vaccine usually con­tains three strains (2A and 1B), which are adjusted annually based on epidemiological data. It should be given in early autumn to all patients with moderate to severe COPD.(Nichol et al., 1994),(Poole et al., 2006) A second vaccination in winter increases antibody levels.(NHLBI/WHO Workshop Report, April 2001)