Influenza vaccination among patients with history of tuberculosis

Tuberculosis is an important lung disease caused by the pathogenic bacteria Mycobacterium tuberculosis. The disease is common in several developing countries around the world. In Thailand, tuberculosis is a common disease. In addition to tuberculosis, there are also other important respiratory tract infections in Thailand. Influenza is another important viral infection that is very common in Thailand. At present, both vaccinations for tuberculosis and influenza are included in national immunization program. Although BCG is the basic immunization for the pediatric group[1], the influenza vaccination is used with special focus for geriatric population in Thailand[2]. At present, the elderly patients with cardiovascular disease, metabolic syndrome, and cerebrovascular disease are included in the national immunization program. Free influenza vaccine is given to these elderly patients. An important consideration is on the safety of the vaccination among the patients with other concurrent diseases. Of several concurrent diseases, tuberculosis is a possible coinfection in the elderly patients. Indeed, the coinfection of tuberculosis and influenza can result in a severe clinical problem and requires good clinical management[3]. Here, the authors summarize on the observed clinical complications among the elderly patients who received influenza vaccination in a medical center. The records in the year 2019 were analyzed. Overall, 1200 elderly patients received influenza immunization. Of these patients, there are 15 cases with active tuberculosis under antituberculosis therapy and 25 cases with known history of treated tuberculosis, including two patients who still have chronic bronchitis as sequelae of tuberculosis. Based on the available data, there is no severe adverse effect among those 40 patients. This can confirm that influenza vaccination can be safely administered to patients with active or history of tuberculosis. This result is concordant with the previous report that the influenza immunization for HIV-infected patients, who might have concurrent tuberculosis, is safe[4]. If there is good screening for contraindication of immunization, the use of influenza vaccination among the patients with tuberculosis can be safe without problems. Financial support and sponsorship Nil. Conflicts of interest There are no conflicts of interest.