Influenza Vaccination: An Unmet Need in Patients With Diabetes
- William Schaffner, MD,
- Susan J. Rehm, MD and
- Tom A. Elasy, MD, MPH
Abstract
IN BRIEF
Influenza vaccinations remain low in people with diabetes. Influenza vaccinations should be offered to all individuals with diabetes ≥ 6 months of age. This simple, effective, and safe treatment can prevent an uncomfortable and potentially severe viral infection across the age span.
Footnotes
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William Schaffner, MD, is a professor of medicine at Vanderbilt University School of Medicine in Nashville, Tenn., and vice president at the National Foundation for Infectious Diseases in Bethesda, Md. Susan J. Rehm, MD, is medical director at the National Foundation for Infectious Diseases in Bethesda, Md., and a professor of medicine at the Cleveland Clinic in Ohio. Tom A. Elasy, MD, MPH, is medical director of the Vanderbilt Eskind Diabetes Clinic and the Ann and Roscoe R. Robinson Associate Professor of Clinical Research at Vanderbilt University Medical Center in Nashville, Tenn. He is editor-in-chief of Clinical Diabetes.
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Note of disclosure: Dr. Rehm has received honoraria for speaking engagements from Roche Pharmaceuticals, which manufactures an antiviral medication that is active against influenza virus.
- American Diabetes Association
