Flu Shots May Reduce Antibiotic Useage

A systematic review and meta-analysis published today in Antimicrobial Resistance and Infection Control journal show that influenza vaccination is associated with significantly reduced antibiotic use.

The study focused on data from randomized controlled trials (RCT) and observational studies. 

The RCTs showed that the effect of influenza vaccination on the number of antibiotic prescriptions or days of antibiotic use (Ratio of Means (RoM) 0.71, 95% CI 0.62–0.83) is stronger compared to the effect of pneumococcal vaccination (RoM 0.92, 95% CI 0.85–1.00).

These studies also confirm a reduction in the proportion of people receiving antibiotics after influenza vaccination (Risk Ratio (RR) 0.63, 95% CI 0.51–0.79).

And the effect of influenza vaccination in the European and American regions ranged from RoM 0.63 and 0.87 to RR 0.70 and 0.66, respectively.

However, the evidence from observational studies supports these findings but presents a less consistent picture.

Announced on July 14, 2023, this data supported the use of influenza vaccination as an important public health intervention to reduce antibiotic use and possibly control antimicrobial resistance.

In the northern hemisphere, the 2023-2024 flu season is forecasted to begin in the fall, with an ample supply of influenza vaccines available at most clinics and pharmacies in the U.S.