Global influenza vaccine distribution survey demonstrates urgency of implementation of objective 3 of WHO influenza strategy 2019-2030.

With an estimated annual worldwide death toll of between 290 000 and 650 000, seasonal influenza remains one of the deadliest respiratory diseases. Influenza vaccines provide moderate to high protection and have been on the World Health Organization’s Model List of Essential Medicines since 1979. Approximately 490 million doses of influenza vaccine are produced per year, but an investigation of geographic allocation reveals enormous disparities. Here, we present two maps that visualise the inequality of the distribution across 195 countries: a conventional choropleth map and a cartogram. In combination, these two maps highlight the widespread lack of coverage in Africa and many parts of Asia. As COVID-19 vaccines are now being distributed in developed countries, data for seasonal influenza vaccine distribution emphasises the need for policymakers to ensure equitable access to COVID-19 vaccines.

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Optimizing Influenza Vaccine Distribution

Science ◽

10.1126/science.1175570 ◽

2009 ◽

Vol 325 (5948) ◽

pp. 1705-1708 ◽

Cited By ~ 208

Author(s):

J. Medlock ◽

A. P. Galvani

Keyword(s):

Influenza Vaccine ◽

Vaccine Distribution

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Attitudes of Suburban Kansan Parents Regarding School-Required Immunizations and the Influences of the Coronavirus Pandemic

Kansas Journal of Medicine ◽

10.17161/kjm.vol1414843 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 14 ◽

pp. 116-120

Author(s):

Simon Beatty ◽

Jennifer Villwock

Keyword(s):

Influenza Vaccine ◽

Parental Attitudes ◽

Childhood Vaccination ◽

Cross Sectional Survey ◽

Chi Square ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Successful Vaccine ◽

K 12 ◽

Vaccine Distribution ◽

The Impact

Introduction. Understanding parental attitudes and adherence of recommended childhood vaccination schedules adopts a new level of importance in the era of the Sars-CoV-2019 (COVID-19) pandemic. With hopes for release of a safe and effective COVID-19 vaccine within the near future, understanding parental perception of vaccines is important to design successful vaccination interventions. Methods. A cross-sectional survey was administered to approximately 900 parents in the state of Kansas in May, 2020. Pearson chi square and Mann-Whitney U tests were utilized to analyze the assess the attitudes of Kansas parents towards a potential addition of the influenza vaccine to the required list for K-12 students and furthermore, their general perception of vaccinations, and the impact of COVID-19 on those beliefs. Results. 179 responded. 51% (n=92) were in favor of adding the influenza vaccine to the mandatory list (Pro-Addition). Anti-Addition parents had significantly higher levels of distrust (2.1, p<0.001) and were significantly more concerned about vaccine adverse effects. When presented with a hypothetical situation in which a “safe and effective” COVID-19 vaccine was available, these parents were significantly less likely to indicate they would receive the vaccine or obtain it for their children (53 people, p<0.001). Conclusions. Pro-Addition and Anti-Addition parents are markedly split on their attitudes towards the addition and the effects of the pandemic. Follow-up qualitative studies of Anti-Addition parents are critical for successful vaccine distribution and coverage in the communities.

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Optimal influenza vaccine distribution with equity

European Journal of Operational Research ◽

10.1016/j.ejor.2019.11.025 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 283 (2) ◽

pp. 714-725 ◽

Cited By ~ 4

Author(s):

Shakiba Enayati ◽

Osman Y. Özaltın

Keyword(s):

Influenza Vaccine ◽

Vaccine Distribution

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Trends in seasonal influenza vaccine distribution in the European Union: 2003-4 to 2007-8

Eurosurveillance ◽

10.2807/ese.13.43.19013-en ◽

2008 ◽

Vol 13 (43) ◽

Cited By ~ 5

Author(s):

M Rodríguez de Azero ◽

Collective the European Vaccine Manufacturers Influenza Working Group

Keyword(s):

Public Health ◽

Influenza Vaccine ◽

Dose Distribution ◽

Seasonal Influenza ◽

Vaccine Dose ◽

Risk Groups ◽

Vaccine Uptake ◽

World Health ◽

Distribution Data ◽

Vaccine Distribution

Seasonal influenza is widely regarded as a continuing threat to public health, with vaccination remaining the principal measure of prophylaxis. In 2003, the World Health Organization issued targets for influenza vaccine coverage in the elderly of at least 50% by 2006 and 75% by 2010, endorsed by the European Parliament in two resolutions in 2005 and 2006. However, a number of European public health systems lack mechanisms to assess progress in influenza vaccine uptake. The European Vaccine Manufacturers group (EVM) undertook a Europe-wide survey of vaccine distribution over the last five seasons (between 2003 and 2008) to provide baseline data from which vaccination trends may be extrapolated. The survey data showed that the dose distribution level per capita in the 27 EU countries increased from 17% in 2003-4 to 20% in 2006-7; this growth was not maintained in the season 2007-8. Even without information on which age or risk groups received the vaccine, an immunisation rate of approximately 20% of the whole population falls short of the public health goal by more than half: an estimated 49% of the total population fall into risk groups recommended to receive the influenza vaccine in Europe. These data provide the only systematic review of vaccine dose distribution across Europe from a uniform source. Although they represent an important baseline parameter, age- and risk-group related vaccine uptake data with sufficient detail are needed to assist public health policy decision making, immunisation planning and monitoring. In light of this situation, and to support the improvement of immunisation rates across the EU, EVM aims to provide dose distribution data for each influenza season to assist Member States in the implementation of local immunisation policies.

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An inventory-location optimization model for equitable influenza vaccine distribution in developing countries during the COVID-19 pandemic

Vaccine ◽

10.1016/j.vaccine.2020.12.022 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 39 (3) ◽

pp. 495-504

Author(s):

Mehdi Rastegar ◽

Madjid Tavana ◽

Afshin Meraj ◽

Hassan Mina

Keyword(s):

Developing Countries ◽

Influenza Vaccine ◽

Optimization Model ◽

Location Optimization ◽

Vaccine Distribution

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Influenza and pneumococcal vaccine distribution and use in primary care and hospital settings in Scotland: coverage, practice and policies

Epidemiology and Infection ◽

10.1017/s0950268802006891 ◽

2002 ◽

Vol 128 (3) ◽

pp. 445-455 ◽

Cited By ~ 11

Author(s):

M. H. KYAW ◽

B. WAYNE ◽

J. CHALMERS ◽

I. G. JONES ◽

H. CAMPBELL

Keyword(s):

Primary Care ◽

Influenza Vaccine ◽

Pneumococcal Vaccine ◽

Vaccine Coverage ◽

Hospital Setting ◽

Pneumococcal Vaccination ◽

The Elderly ◽

Risk Patients ◽

General Practices ◽

Vaccine Distribution

A survey of the coverage, distribution and the factors associated with use of influenza and pneumococcal vaccines among general practitioners (GPs) in primary care and in hospital settings was carried out in 53 general practices in Scotland taking part in the ‘Continuous Morbidity Recording’ (CMR) programme. The annual vaccine distribution increased substantially among 53 general practices from 1993 to 1999 and in Scotland as a whole from 1984 to 1999. From the questionnaire, overall coverage was 43% (95% CI 38–48) for influenza vaccine in the 2000–1 season and 13% (95% CI 9–16) for pneumococcal vaccine in the last 5 year period, in high-risk patients recommended for these vaccines by the Department of Health (DoH). Influenza vaccine coverage was highest in the elderly (65 years of age and above) at 62% (95% CI 59–74). Although pneumococcal vaccination is not currently recommended for all elderly, coverage of this vaccine was also higher in this group (22%, 95% CI 16–29). In the majority of patients (influenza vaccine, 98% and pneumococcal vaccine, 94%), vaccination was carried out in general practice. Only 2% of patients had received pneumococcal vaccination in a hospital setting. The level of influenza and pneumococcal vaccination varied with the level of deprivation. Most GPs considered that the responsibility for influenza and pneumococcal vaccination lay with them. Forty-five percent of GPs reported having a written policy with set target for influenza vaccination and 11% for pneumococcal vaccination.

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