Background: Large population studies have shown that statin use at the time of influenza immunization is associated with lower antibody concentrations and decreased vaccine efficacy. Influenza immunization of immunosuppressed individuals results in lower antibody concentrations compared to healthy populations. Our study compares influenza vaccine antibody responses in lung transplant recipients on statins to those not taking statins.

Methods: Antibody responses to influenza vaccine over five consecutive seasons were compared in lung transplant recipients who were on statins to those who were not on statins at time of vaccine administration. Serum antibody concentrations were measured using hemagglutination inhibition assay. Antibody concentrations, seroprotection, and seroconversion were compared between groups.

Results: A total of 92 patients were enrolled, comprising 302 seasonal influenza immunizations. Statin users were more likely to be female (60%), receiving an mTOR inhibitor (p=0.009), and had significantly lower post-immunization influenza antibody concentrations for H1N1, H3N2, and type B influenza strains compared to non-statin users (p=0.001, p=0.008, p=<0.001, respectively). Seroprotection was significantly lower in statin users for H1N1 (p=0.033) but similar for H3N2 and type B. There was no difference between groups for seroconversion.

Conclusion: Statin use was associated with lower influenza antibody concentrations but similar seroprotection and seroconversion in immunosuppressed lung transplant recipients.

CITATION INFORMATION: Condon A, Garmoe C, Hayney M. Effect of Statins on Influenza Vaccine Antibody Concentrations in Lung Transplant Recipients. Am J Transplant. 2017;17 (suppl 3).

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