Influenza Vaccine in Chronic Lymphoproliferative Disorders and Multiple Myeloma

Objective: Vaccination against influenza in patients with chronic lymphoproliferative disorders (CLPD) and multiple myeloma (MM) is still a matter of clinical uncertainty. The aim of this study was to determine the safety, immunogenicity and clinical response to a commercially available vaccine against influenza in a group of such patients.

Methods: Thirty-four patients with CLPD and MM and 34 immunologically normal subjects were vaccinated with the same vaccine against influenza. Patients were observed during the epidemic season from October 1999 to April 2000, and monitored for side-effects of the vaccine, seroprotection and seroconversion after vaccination. The prevaccination level of immunoglobulins was also determined. Occurrence of influenza episodes was demonstrated with the positive isolation of a viral strain from a pharyngeal swab.

Results: No patient had untoward reactions to the vaccine used. Seroconversion and seroprotection were up to the standard established by the European Agency for the Evaluation of Medicinal Products. Only one patient developed influenza during follow-up.

Conclusions: Influenza vaccine is effective and well tolerated in patients with CLPD and MM. No contraindications exist for its use, and it should become a routine practice, in order to prevent serious complications during the influenza epidemic season.