CVS study shows flu shots can help reduce hospital stays

WOONSOCKET, R.I. Influenza vaccinations can help reduce the risk of hospitalization in patients with chronic conditions, according to a study by CVS Caremark being presented today at the annual meeting of DMAA: The Care Continuum Alliance in Hollywood, Fla.

The yearlong study, which evaluated 19,908 participants enrolled in a common chronic disease management program, monitored the impact of influenza vaccination on subsequent hospitalization rates for all participants. The results indicated that for chronic disease patients who received the influenza vaccine there was a 19 percent reduction in hospitalization for all causes and a 24 percent reduction in flu and pneumonia-related hospitalizations.

“This data furthers our understanding of the positive impact of influenza vaccinations,” stated Marsha Moore, senior vice president of medical affairs for CVS Caremark. “The results are an example of how our Proactive Pharmacy approach can help patients dealing with chronic conditions benefit from the positive impact of an annual influenza vaccination and can be an important tool for communicating the need for flu vaccine in this patient population.”

Influenza vaccination is one of the universal recommendations by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention for a specific cohort of patients of all ages, including those with chronic disease, as well as elderly and pediatric patients.