| Abstract
| - Influenza is a costly disease, especially to industry in terms of working days lost. It is the only major cause of sickness absence where the possibility of prevention by immunisation exists. Vaccines are available which give good protection against the disease and which may also help to produce attenuated or sub-clinical infections. In the absence of accurate forecasts of epidemics, they must be administered annually. The disadvantages of immunisation against influenza are such that it is not recommended for general use, but are not so great as to preclude its use on a selective basis. A more intensive immunisation programme in industry is desirable if the burden of influenza is to be reduced and it is suggested that this might be carried out on a geographical basis. In addition, if it is accepted that protection should be given to those suffering from chronic bronchitis, preventive measures might also be directed at those industries where bronchitis is especially prevalent.
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