Flu vaccinations ‘more effective when given in the morning’

The effectiveness of flu vaccinations may be enhanced when administered in the morning, according to a new study from the University of Birmingham.

For this research, 24 general practices in the West Midlands were analysed between 2011 and 2013. During this time, 276 adults aged over 65 were vaccinated against three strains of influenza at various times of day.

In two of these three influenza virus strains, those vaccinated in the mornings saw a significantly larger increase in antibody concentration one month after vaccination compared to those in the afternoon cohort.

This is a potentially important discovery, as previous interventions to improve vaccination outcomes – including exercise routines and the use of additives – have been associated with limited success.

Dr Anna Phillips, principal investigator of the study from the school of sport, exercise and rehabilitation sciences at the University of Birmingham, said: "Being able to see that morning vaccinations yield a more efficient response will not only help in strategies for flu vaccination, but might provide clues to improve vaccination strategies more generally."

The effect will now be assessed in a larger-scale study, with efforts planned to ascertain if this method works for the pneumococcal vaccine that protects against pneumonia.