Flu jabs should be administered in the morning, study advises

According to a trial by the University of Birmingham, morning flu jabs provoke a stronger immune response than those given later in the day, and could be a cheaper way to save lives.

The study has recommended that immunisation techniques should be given in tune with the body’s natural rhythm, with experts claiming the research could mark the dawn of making use of ‘the body clock in the clinic’.

The findings outlined that our internal clock can determine a person’s alertness, mood, physical strength and even effect our risk of suffering a heart attack. It also pointed out that people’s immune system can wax and wane throughout the day.

The trial examined 276 health people over the age of 65, who received the flu jab before the 2011, 2012 and 2013 flu seasons. The vaccinations were administered either in the morning between 9:00-11:00 or in the afternoon between 13:00-17:00.

The report found that after one month, patients vaccinated in the morning had produced significantly more antibodies than those vaccinated during the afternoon.

In an interview with the BBC, Dr Anna Phillips, one of the researchers on the project, said: "A lot of surgeries just try and fit in vaccinations anyway so it's not going to risk any patient, it's not going to cost anything and even if we're wrong you've nothing to lose by doing this.

"I think it's fantastic, the idea of an intervention this easy to do and free is unheard of in terms of trying to change NHS practice."