TOLERANCE OF INFLUENZA VACCINATION IN THE AGED AND MEMBERS OF THE NURSING STAFF IN A GERIATRIC HOSPITAL

The tolerance of influenza vaccination (Vaxigrip(R), Pasteur-Merieux) was evaluated during four consecutive years (1989-1992) in the geriatr ic hospital of Saint-Etienne from questionnaires concerning 327 vaccin ations in the aged (group 1) and 88 vaccinations in members of the nur sing staff (group 2). Minor local symptoms were the more common incide nts, res respectively for each group : blotch (9.8 and 21.6 %), pain ( 9.2 and 47.7 %), nodule (2.4 and 13.6 %). Fatigue (4.0 vs 12.5 %) and fever (6.1 vs 4.5 %) were the more frequent among general symptoms, re spectively in each group. No major vaccinal accident was recorded. The se results underline that influenza vaccination is well tolerated much more in aged people than in members of the nursing staff.