Effects of influenza vaccination on neurodegenerative and demyelinating disorders: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

Background: Previous studies have highlighted potential associations between influenza vaccination (IV) and neurological outcomes, particularly neurodegenerative disorders (NDs) and demyelinating disorders (DDs). However, the existing evidence remains inconclusive. Given the widespread global uptake of IV, even small potential effects may carry important public health implications. Therefore, a comprehensive synthesis of current evidence is essential to clarify these associations and inform evidence-based vaccination strategies.

Objective: This study aimed to systematically examine the associations between IV and NDs as well as DDs.

Methods: We systematically searched PubMed, Embase, Scopus, and Web of Science from database inception to November 30, 2024, to identify relevant studies. Studies meeting predefined were selected for analysis, followed by data extraction and quality assessment. Pooled odds ratio (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were calculated using a random-effects model. Subgroup analyses were performed by population characteristics and study features, and sensitivity analyses were conducted to test the robustness of results.

Result: A total of 64 studies were included in the analysis (22 on NDs and 44 on DDs), comprising 5,679,964,431 participants were included. IV was associated with a reduced risk of NDs (OR = 0.85, 95% CI 0.75-0.98). Subgroup analyses showed a stronger protective effect against NDs among individuals with chronic comorbidities (OR = 0.66, 95% CI 0.63-0.69) and older adults (OR = 0.83, 95% CI 0.69-0.99), with the protective effect increasing with age. For DDs, IV was associated with an increased risk of DDs (OR = 1.61, 95% CI 1.22-2.12). Elevated risks were primarily observed in earlier studies (OR = 2.15, 95% CI 1.23-3.77) and in populations who received pandemic influenza vaccines (OR = 2.03, 95% CI 1.44-2.86). However, no statistically significant association between influenza vaccination and DDs was found in studies conducted after 2010 (OR = 1.13, 95% CI 0.90-1.41). Sensitivity analyses confirmed the robustness of these findings, and no significant publication bias was detected.

Conclusion: IV was associated with a reduced risk of NDs, particularly among older adults and individuals with chronic comorbidities. Although an increased risk of DDs was observed in earlier studies and among recipients of pandemic IV, no significant association was found in studies conducted over the past decade. Given the protective benefits of IV against both influenza itself and NDs in elderly individuals and those with chronic health conditions, expanding IV coverage in these vulnerable groups is strongly recommended.