Vaccination against influenza viruses annually: Renewing or narrowing the protective shield?

Abstract

Annual vaccines are recommended for the seasonal influenza virus. While yearly updates to the vaccine are necessary due to the constant evolution of influenza viruses, some studies have suggested repeat vaccination may result in a reduction in vaccine effectiveness in subsequent years. This review examines the available evidence that repeated annual influenza virus vaccination may have effects on future vaccine responses, and it synthesizes the available data with studies that may indicate potential immunological mechanisms underlying these effects. The goal is to examine the available literature to determine whether these mechanisms can be subverted to improve seasonal influenza virus vaccine efficacy.

Topics & Concepts