Statins Could Reduce Effectiveness Of Flu Shot

BOSTON (CBS) - If you're one of the millions of Americans over 65 who use statins to control your cholesterol, the flu shot may not work as well for you as it does for others.

In a study looking at nearly 7,000 seniors, those using statins were found to have a significantly reduced immune response to vaccination, as measured by antibody levels in the blood three weeks later.

It's not clear why this is the case, but if it bears out in future studies, it may be recommended that patients on statins get a high-dose flu vaccine or one with components that boost the immune response.