New research has revealed problems with administering both the COVID-19 and influenza vaccinations to those over the age of 85. According to the findings, these immunizations may slightly increase the incidence of clot-related strokes in the brain. After reviewing Medicare billing data, experts at the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) discovered this warning signal. This is the second study to relate COVID-19 and flu vaccination administration to an increased risk of stroke in older people.
The US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the Food and Drug Administration issued a public warning in January about a potential but low risk of stroke among the elderly. This conclusion was reached due to their research into continuously monitoring vaccine safety. While there is some danger, the FDA has determined it is modest. Three strokes, or TIAs, are expected to occur for every 100,000 doses delivered.
The study also suggests a link between this risk and high-dose or adjuvanted flu vaccinations. The immunological response to these vaccinations has improved. A further examination of Medicare claims data revealed that persons aged 65 and up who had only gotten a high-dose flu vaccination had a slightly higher risk of stroke. Flu vaccines at high doses increase risk by the same amount as 1-2 extra strokes per 100,000 doses.Â
Dr. Steve Nissen, a prominent cardiologist and researcher at the Cleveland Clinic in Ohio, believes that “the absolute risk is minuscule.” He noted that the danger is small compared to the fatality rate from COVID-19 among those aged 85 and up. Five additional recent trials have not found a risk of stroke after immunization against COVID-19, influenza, or both.
Dr. Tom Shimabukuro, director of the CDC’s Immunization Safety Office, recently gave a public presentation indicating that current data does not give enough evidence to raise safety concerns. Researchers are still looking for a relationship, but they all agree that vaccination is critical. The risk of having a stroke following immunization is shallow compared to the risk of a stroke after getting the flu or COVID-19.Â
Dr. William Schaffner, an infectious disease expert at Vanderbilt University, explained the public’s stance. He said, “The risk of serious disease associated with both influenza and COVID for the population at highest risk, which is, of course, older persons, is much greater than the potential increased risk associated with a vaccine.” If you’re concerned about side effects, Dr. Schaffner recommends spreading out your vaccine regimen.
This strategy makes sense to him. To protect himself from the spread of influenza, Dr. Peter Marks, head of the FDA’s Center for Biologics Evaluation and Research, intended to have the COVID-19 vaccine first, followed by the flu injection about two weeks later. Despite certain red flags, experts think that the advantages of immunization exceed the dangers. The takeaway is that vaccination is still superior to alternative approaches to preventing infectious illnesses.Â
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Covid shots may slightly increase the risk of stroke in older adults, particularly when administered with certain flu vaccines. (2023). Retrieved from https://edition.cnn.com/2023/10/25/health/covid-flu-vaccine-stroke-risk-study/index.htmlÂ
