List,

Some employees routinely delay receiving the flu vaccine because they have heard that "the flu shot loses its effectiveness in 3 months", so the later it is taken in the season, the better chances of protection in the months of February and March.

Literature search reveals that antibody levels / vaccine effectiveness declines with time, but the time period is dependent on many factors including immunity levels, age group, etc.

Does anyone have or can anyone point out to studies/abstracts or cite anecdotal evidence of flu vaccine effectiveness with time? How do you decide flu vaccine deadlines for your organization?

Thanks,

Abhijay Karandikar, MD, MPH, FACOEM

Medical Director - Occupational Medicine

CONNcare / Backus Hospital

Norwich, CT.