Reply to letter to editor by Hadigal et al. regarding the immunogenicity and safety trial of high-dose influenza vaccine in adults aged ≥60 years

Hum Vaccin Immunother. 2022 Nov 30;18(6):2106749. doi: 10.1080/21645515.2022.2106749. Epub 2022 Aug 1.

Abstract

Hadigal et al. argued the recommendation of high-dose influenza vaccine over standard-dose formulation is not supported by comparisons of numbers-needed-to-vaccinate (NNV) nor aligned with the WHO mandate of improving vaccine coverage. However, the authors' NNV calculation was inaccurate. A preferential recommendation for vaccines preventing influenza/complications can increase coverage. Furthermore, the impact of vaccination is a function of efficacy/effectiveness and the vaccine-preventable fraction of disease burden; therefore Hadigal et al. should interpret the absolute risk reduction by vaccination within the context of overall disease burden. To address the threat of COVID-19 pandemic, authorities should implement concomitant influenza/COVID-19 vaccination to reduce the burden of cocirculation of influenza and SARS- CoV- 2 viruses and increase the coverage of proven influenza vaccines as per WHO mandate.

MeSH terms

  • COVID-19
  • COVID-19 Vaccines
  • Clinical Trials as Topic
  • Humans
  • Influenza Vaccines* / adverse effects
  • Influenza, Human* / epidemiology
  • Influenza, Human* / prevention & control
  • Middle Aged
  • Pandemics / prevention & control
  • SARS-CoV-2
  • Vaccination

Substances

  • COVID-19 Vaccines
  • Influenza Vaccines

Grants and funding

The author(s) reported there is no funding associated with the work featured in this article.