Researchers from Denmark analysed the relationship between flu vaccinations and cardiovascular outcomes in people with diabetes. The data showed that the vaccine was associated with a reduced risk of all-cause death, cardiovascular death, and death from acute myocardial infarction (AMI) or stroke, suggesting the flu vaccination may improve outcomes in patients with diabetes.
While diabetes and flu are associated with increased risk of AMI and stroke, few studies have explored the relationship between flu vaccinations and cardiovascular outcomes in people with diabetes.
Researchers used a modified cohort design with a season-specific approach, given that epidemiological data show that almost all influenza activity in Denmark occurs from December through March. Data were collected from all influenza seasons (December 1 through April 1) between 2007 and 2016.
The analysis revealed flu vaccinations were associated with:
- reduced risks of all-cause death
- reduced risks of cardiovascular death
- reduced risks of death from AMI or stroke
- a reduced risk of being admitted to hospital with acute complications associated with diabetes
- reduced risk of hospitalisation for influenza or pneumonia during follow-up.
The study was published in Diabetes Care, which you can read HERE.
