Patients with chronic conditions, such as diabetes, heart failure and asthma are able to reduce instances of hospitalization by obtaining influenza vaccinations, states new data from a CVS Caremark study.
For instance, patients who received the influenza vaccine reduced their total hospitalizations by 19% and had a 24% reduction in influenza or pneumonia- related hospitalizations. The study monitored nearly 20,000 patients of all ages in a chronic disease management program.
"This data furthers our understanding of the positive impact of influenza vaccinations," says Marsha Moore, senior vice president of medical affairs for CVS.
"[T]he positive impact of an annual influenza vaccination ... can be an important tool for communicating the need for the flu vaccine in this patient population," she adds.
The Center for Disease control also recommends that vaccination begin in September "or as soon as the vaccination is available," and that it continue through flu season -- January and beyond, in some cases.
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