Acute exercise decreases vaccine reactions following influenza vaccination among older adults.

Although valuable and effective in decreasing disease burden, influenza vaccination has low rates of efficacy, especially in those at most risk. Studies have shown that acute exercise can improve vaccine responses, most consistently with weaker antigens. Here we examined the effect of resistance exercise on the acute and longer-term responses to influenza vaccination among healthy older adults. Forty-six participants (47.8% male, mean 73.4 ±â€¯6.6 years) were randomised to perform one 45-min moderate-intensity resistance exercise session or sit quietly prior to the receipt of influenza vaccination. Acute exercise reduced vaccine reactions but had no effect on either antibody responses or development of influenza-like symptoms during six months of follow-up. Psychosocial and behavioural characteristics were examined for potential associations with the responses to vaccination. Participants (n = 36) vaccinated in the previous year had higher baseline antibody titres but not follow-up titres nor more frequent experience of influenza-like symptoms over 6 months compared to those unvaccinated in the previous year. These findings provide further support for the ability of acute exercise to reduce vaccine reactions and suggest risk factors for vaccine responses for future exploration.

The effects of exercise on vaccination responses: a review of chronic and acute exercise interventions in humans.

Vaccination programs, although feted for success in reducing infectious disease morbidity and mortality, are limited by vaccine efficacy, which is particularly problematic in populations with reduced immune function. Exercise has been identified as a behavioural factor that can improve immune function in some settings and cohorts, and therefore, in the setting of vaccination, it may serve as an adjuvant for immune responses. Here, we summarise the body of evidence that has investigated the effects of chronic or acute exercise interventions on vaccination responses. A systematic search of the literature was conducted including six major databases. Randomised control trials (RCTs), cross-sectional and observational studies that involved a variety of population samples and that employed any modality or intensity of acute exercise or chronic training prior to vaccine administration and measured any immune response were included. Twenty trials met the inclusion criteria for this review. Nine studies investigated the effect of acute exercise on the immune response to vaccination, whilst the remaining eleven studies investigated the effect of chronic exercise. Most of the current published literature suggests that exposure to either acute or chronic exercise significantly augments the immune response to vaccination. The clinical importance of this adjuvant action of exercise, if any, as well as variability in responsiveness across different cohorts, dose-response relationships and the optimal exercise modality to employ for this indication deserve further study.