BMJ  2006;333 (16 December), doi:10.1136/bmj.39064.463368.3A

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Does vaccinating nursing home staff against influenza make a difference? To answer this question, Andrew Hayward and colleagues performed a randomized controlled trial (doi: 10.1136/bmj.39010.581354.55) in 44 UK nursing homes. For two flu seasons, the staff in half the homes were offered influenza vaccine and those in the other half were not. During the 2003-4 flu season there were significant reductions in mortality, influenza-like illnesses and hospitalizations, and doctor visits for influenza-like symptoms. In 2004-5, a season of low influenza incidence, there were no significant differences. The authors conclude that vaccinating nursing home staff is effective in preventing mortality, illness, and health care utilization due to influenza. In an accompanying editorial (doi: 10.1136/bmj.39050.408044.80), Rachel Jordan and Jeremy Hawker calculate that vaccinating nursing home staff against influenza is cost-effective as well, and they urge aggressive vaccination campaigns among all who work in elderly care establishments.

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