The Association between Influenza Vaccination and the Risk of SARS-CoV-2 Infection, Severe Illness, and Death: A Systematic Review of the Literature

Int J Environ Res Public Health. 2020 Oct 27;17(21):7870. doi: 10.3390/ijerph17217870.

Abstract

We reviewed the association between seasonal influenza vaccination and the risk of SARS-CoV-2 infection or complicated illness or poor outcome (e.g., severe disease, need for hospitalization or ventilatory support, or death) among COVID-19 patients. None of the studies that were reviewed (n = 12) found a significant increase in the risk of infection or in the illness severity or lethality, and some reported significantly inverse associations. Our findings support measures aimed at raising influenza vaccination coverage in the coming months.

Keywords: SARS-CoV-2; infection; influenza vaccine; risk; severity; systematic review.

Publication types

  • Systematic Review

MeSH terms

  • Betacoronavirus
  • COVID-19
  • Coinfection / diagnosis
  • Coinfection / epidemiology
  • Coinfection / prevention & control*
  • Communicable Disease Control
  • Coronavirus Infections* / diagnosis
  • Coronavirus Infections* / mortality
  • Coronavirus Infections* / prevention & control
  • Epidemics / prevention & control
  • Humans
  • Influenza Vaccines / administration & dosage*
  • Influenza Vaccines / adverse effects
  • Influenza, Human / diagnosis
  • Influenza, Human / prevention & control*
  • Pandemics / prevention & control*
  • Pneumonia, Viral* / diagnosis
  • Pneumonia, Viral* / mortality
  • Pneumonia, Viral* / prevention & control
  • Risk Assessment
  • Risk Factors
  • SARS-CoV-2
  • Severity of Illness Index
  • Vaccination / adverse effects*
  • Vaccination / statistics & numerical data

Substances

  • Influenza Vaccines