Link between Seasonal Flu Vax and Propensity to Contract Swine Flu?

[indigo girl]

It's the big flu related story of the day, and we do not know how this will pan out. Other studies do not agree with the Canadian study, but Ontario readjusting their seasonal flu vaccine schedule just in case.

The CDC is holding a press conference on this tomorrow. Stay tuned!

The `hot' story today is undoubtedly the report out of Canada that some researchers believe they've found a link between getting a seasonal flu vaccination and a future propensity for contracting the novel H1N1 virus.

Helen Branswell, who is one of the most knowledgeable and credible science reporters on the influenza beat, has been all over this story today.

Earlier this afternoon, in a piece entitled Canadian study linking flu shots and swine flu raising international concerns, Ms. Branswell outlined the CDC's position on this report:

. . . Kieny said British, American and Australian researchers have looked for and haven't found similar findings in their data. On Thursday, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control confirmed that via email.

"It is difficult to speak about a study that has yet to be published, however, as this is an important issue involving the subject of seasonal influenza and the fast moving global pandemic of 2009 H1N1 influenza it is important to note the scientists at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention have not seen this effect in systems we have reviewed in the United States," spokesperson Joe Quimby said.

This evening Helen Branswell brings us news that Ontario, Canada will adjust their vaccination strategy as a result of concern over the theorized link between seasonal vaccines and H1N1 susceptibility.

Read on: http://afludiary.blogspot.com/2009/09/ontario-adjusts-vaccination-plan.html

[Multicollinearity, BSN, RN]

I feel like I'm stating the obvious that was probably considered by the experts, but here goes. Couldn't it just be that those with underlying health problems are more likely to get the seasonal flu shot and are therefore more likely to get really sick (diagnosed, on the record) with H1N1?

[NotReady4PrimeTime, RN]

You might have a point there, multi. I wonder if it's occurred to anyone else.

[dcampbell]

I am not an infectious disease specialist. But I have always wondered if getting a vaccine temporarily lowers the immune system (while the body deals with the deadened virus) thus, leaving the body vulnerable if exposed to a new virus?

Maybe that is what might be happening.

[DolceVita, ADN, BSN, RN]

I feel like I'm stating the obvious that was probably considered by the experts, but here goes. Couldn't it just be that those with underlying health problems are more likely to get the seasonal flu shot and are therefore more likely to get really sick (diagnosed, on the record) with H1N1?

I agree. Not just that, but those getting seasonal flu shot, that don't have underlying health problems, probably have other risks for contracting the seasonal flu (like high likelihood of exposure in HCW, teachers whatever) which propelled them to get the vaccine.

There is no chance that they can show cause in this and it is shoddy science in they are.