Immunogenicity of Inactivated Influenza Virus Vaccine in Chronic Renal Failure

Abstract

Patients with chronic renal failure are candidates for immunization against influenza. Impairment of cell-mediated immunity has been documented in patients with uremia, but studies of serum antibody responsiveness against various antigens show conflicting results. No data are available on serum antibody responses of patients with chronic renal failure who were given influenza vaccine. We compare the serum hemagglutination-inhibition antibody responses to inactivated, bivalent influenza virus vaccine of 22 renal-dialysis patients and 28 normal control subjects. No significant differences were found in the temporal, geometric mean titer responses or the frequency of fourfold or greater rises in antibody titer, with either influenza A or influenza B antigen. Since uremic patients on hemodialysis respond adequately to influenza vaccine, annual vaccination is recommended.