Liver disease reduces the effectiveness of the influenza vaccine in preventing hospitalization.
Influenza causes a substantial health burden, particularly for persons with underlying health conditions such as chronic liver disease.
Our HAIVEN study aimed to investigate how effective influenza vaccines are in preventing hospitalization associated with influenza and this analysis looked at adults with liver disease. Liver disease appeared to reduce the protection afforded by Influenza vaccination against flu-related hospitalizations. This study highlights the need for tailored preventive measures in this vulnerable population. Dr. Po Han, Huang, a graduate student and Dr. Balasubramani, faculty at the University of Pittsburgh Epidemiology Data Center, collaborated with Dr. Zimmerman from the Department of Family Medicine for the CDC-sponsored National clinical trial. The primary study results were presented at the IDWEEK scientific sessions on October 16-19, 2024 in Los Angles, California and the results of a study published in Human Vaccines and Immunotherapeutics.