Eficacia de la vacuna tetravalente versus la vacuna trivalente para la prevención de la influenza estacional en personas susceptibles. Revisión sistemática

Abstract

Seasonal influenza is a contagious viral respiratory disease that affects millions of people each year, causing a significant clinical and economic burden. Its complications include hospitalizations, severe pneumonia, and, in some cases, death, especially among vulnerable populations such as children, older adults, and immunocompromised individuals. In response to this problem, quadrivalent and trivalent vaccines have been established as the main preventive strategies. However, there is disagreement in the scientific literature regarding which of these formulations is more effective in reducing the incidence of cases and associated complications, leading to uncertainty in the implementation of immunization programs. Objective: To determine the effectiveness of the quadrivalent vaccine versus the trivalent vaccine for the prevention of seasonal influenza in susceptible individuals. Methodology: A systematic review will be conducted by searching databases such as PubMed, ScienceDirect, and SciELO. Inclusion criteria will include randomized clinical trials and observational studies published in the last five years that directly evaluate the effectiveness and safety of both vaccines. Results: The quadrivalent vaccine showed greater effectiveness in preventing seasonal influenza, especially against B strains not included in the trivalent vaccine. The rate of serious adverse events was low for both vaccines, at 0.2% for the quadrivalent and 0.5% for the trivalent, demonstrating similar safety profiles. Conclusion: The quadrivalent vaccine provides broader and more effective protection than the trivalent vaccine, with a comparable safety profile, thereby establishing itself as a suitable option in contexts where multiple influenza strains co-circulate. Keywords: seasonal influenza, quadrivalent vaccine, trivalent vaccine, vaccine effectiveness, prevention of complications