Important Reasons for Diabetes Patients Need Influenza Vaccine

Dream - In 2011, there were four million cases of flu in Indonesia every year, resulting in nearly 200,000 hospitalizations related to the flu. Based on this data, it is known that diabetes patients are more susceptible to infections, such as influenza, than the non-diabetic population. This is caused by various factors that weaken the immune system.

Not only vulnerable to infections, diabetes patients are also at high risk of experiencing serious complications. This virus can worsen the condition of comorbid or underlying diseases, leading to death.

“Diabetes can also damage blood vessels, causing poor circulation and slower healing time,” said Dr. dr. Wismandari Wisnu, Sp.PD-KEMD, FINASIM during the Consensus Guidelines for Influenza Vaccination in Diabetes Patients event in Jakarta on August 24, 2023.

Diabetes patients have a weak immune system. According to Dr. Wismandari, this makes it very difficult for them to fight infections when they get the flu. In addition, high blood sugar levels facilitate the growth of bacteria and viruses, increasing the risk of infection.

In response to this problem, the Adult Immunization Task Force of the Indonesian Society of Internal Medicine (PB PAPDI), the Indonesian Society of Endocrinology (PP PERKENI), and the Indonesia Influenza Foundation (IIF) recommend annual influenza vaccination for diabetes patients.

“Considering the burden of influenza that has a significant impact on all aspects, one effective prevention method is routine quadrivalent influenza vaccination performed every year,” said Prof. Samsuridjal Djauzi, professor at the Faculty of Medicine, University of Indonesia.

According to him, this influenza vaccination has been proven effective in protecting diabetes patients who also have comorbidities (underlying diseases). Such as chronic respiratory disorders, chronic kidney disease, cardiovascular disorders, immunocompromised (weakened immune system), cancer, anemia, obesity, and the elderly.

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Diabetes patients who want to get the influenza vaccine do not need to worry about the side effects of this vaccine. Based on research conducted, the antibody response of diabetes patients to influenza vaccination is comparable to that of healthy adults. That means diabetes patients can receive the vaccine well.

Not only preventing influenza, but vaccination also reduces the risk of death for diabetes patients with cardiovascular risks. Based on this statement, it can also be concluded that this vaccine is safe for diabetes patients with comorbid conditions.

In addition, Dr. dr. Sukamto Koesnoe, SpPD, K-AI, FINASIM, stated at the Press Conference on Influenza Vaccination Consensus Guidelines for Diabetes Patients, that there are no contraindications other than allergies. Outpatients with diabetes mellitus, even patients who have just had a heart attack, are allowed to receive vaccination 3 days later.

“Healthy people need vaccines, let alone people with diabetes,” said Dr. dr. Wismandari Wisnu, Sp.PD-KEMD, FINASIM.

Report by Marha Adani Putri