Advanced Age as a Risk Factor for Illness After Yellow Fever Vaccination
Author Information
Author(s): Michael Martin, Leisa H. Weld, Theodore F. Tsai, Gina T. Mootrey, Robert T. Chen, Manette Niu, Martin S. Cetron
Primary Institution: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
Hypothesis
Is advanced age a risk factor for systemic illness associated with yellow fever vaccination?
Conclusion
Elderly individuals have a higher reporting rate of systemic adverse events following yellow fever vaccination compared to younger adults.
Supporting Evidence
- The overall reporting rate for systemic adverse events after yellow fever vaccination was 2.4 per 100,000 doses.
- For those aged 65 years and older, the reporting rate for systemic adverse events was 8.3 per 100,000 doses.
- Three patients aged 63, 67, and 79 years died following vaccination, highlighting the risks for elderly individuals.
Takeaway
Older people might get sicker from the yellow fever vaccine than younger people, so doctors need to be careful when giving it to them.
Methodology
The study analyzed adverse events reported to the Vaccine Adverse Event Reporting System (VAERS) from 1990 to 1998, categorizing them by age group and type of event.
Potential Biases
Age-related reporting bias may affect the significance of the results, as adverse events in younger vaccinees may be reported less frequently.
Limitations
The study relies on passive surveillance data, which may underestimate actual adverse events and is subject to reporting bias.
Participant Demographics
The study focused on U.S. residents aged 65 years and older who received the yellow fever vaccine.
Statistical Information
P-Value
p<0.05
Confidence Interval
95% CI 1.3-10.7 for ages 65-74; 95% CI 3.7-36.3 for ages >75
Statistical Significance
p<0.05
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