scholarly journals Stagnating influenza vaccine coverage rates among high-risk groups in Poland and Sweden in 2003/4 and 2004/5

2007 ◽  
Vol 12 (4) ◽  
pp. 1-2 ◽  
Author(s):  
M Kroneman ◽  
G A van Essen
Keyword(s):  
High Risk ◽  
Influenza Vaccine ◽  
Influenza Vaccination ◽  
Chronic Diseases ◽  
Vaccine Coverage ◽  
Risk Groups ◽  
Vaccine Uptake ◽  
World Health ◽  
High Risk Population ◽  
Coverage Rates

This paper examines influenza vaccine coverage rates (VCR) in Poland and Sweden during the 2003/4 and 2004/5 influenza seasons. An average sample of 2,500 persons was interviewed in each country and each season. Questions regarded age and possible chronic diseases, as well as information on whether they had had an influenza vaccination in the given season. Those who had not received the vaccine were also asked to give reasons for non-vaccination. About one in four (Sweden) to one in three (Poland) of the persons surveyed belonged to high-risk groups (>=65 years of age or suffering from chronic diseases). In the 2004/5 season, 17% (CI 12-19%) of the Polish elderly and 45% (CI 39-50%) of the Swedish elderly were vaccinated. In Poland, 9% (CI 7-12%) of respondents younger than 65 years of age with a chronic condition were vaccinated, whereas in Sweden the corresponding rate was 12% (CI 9-16%). In both countries, the VCR did not change significantly from the previous season. Personal invitations resulted in a higher VCR. In Sweden, the most frequently mentioned reasons for not being vaccinated were the assumption of not qualifying for a vaccination and perceived resistance. In Poland in both years, perceived resistance to flu and the cost of the vaccination were the most often mentioned reasons. The influenza vaccination rates in Poland and Sweden remain far below World Health Organization (WHO) recommendations for the high-risk population. No increase in VCR as demonstrated in this study may indicate that these two countries will not be able to meet the 2010 WHO target, if no further action is taken concerning vaccine uptake.

scholarly journals Seasonal influenza vaccination: from hesitancy to social norm

2021 ◽  
Vol 9 (3) ◽  
pp. 902
Author(s):  
Asif Parvez Malik ◽  
Sanjeewa Sumathipala
Keyword(s):  
High Risk ◽  
Influenza Vaccination ◽  
Healthcare Workers ◽  
Seasonal Influenza ◽  
Social Norm ◽  
Disease Risk ◽  
Vaccine Coverage ◽  
Risk Groups ◽  
Vaccine Uptake ◽  
World Health

Seasonal influenza is of the most globally burdening vaccine-preventable diseases, infecting 3-5 billion people annually and according to the World Health Organisation (WHO) resulting in 250,000 to 500,000 deaths worldwide. Vaccination against influenza and all respiratory infections carries greater emphasis in the light of the COVID-19 pandemic. With added pressure on healthcare systems due to the coronavirus, Qatar is one country that is keen to emphasise the importance of influenza vaccination to prevent potential co-infection causing severe disease especially in high-risk groups. Currently seasonal influenza vaccines protect against 3 or 4 strains with revised data from the WHO twice yearly due to the changing natures of strains helping to maximise efficacy of the vaccines. It is recommended for specific high-risk groups to be prioritised for vaccination, including pregnant women, the elderly, children above 6 months of age, patients with chronic conditions as well as front line healthcare workers with risk of exposure. However, uptake of the vaccine remains low and contributes significantly to the burden of the disease. Barriers to vaccine uptake can be physical, such as unhealthy lifestyles, psychological, such as perception of disease as low-risk, contextual, such as lack of access to vaccinations, or sociodemographic, such as living alone. Vaccine coverage can be increased by knowledge of these barriers and how to address them. The physical barriers highlight the need to support behavioural change in lifestyle in order to increase vaccine uptake. Psychological barriers, usually due to misconceptions, can be addressed with education through public health campaigns and interactions between health professionals and patients. This education is not just a need for patients but also healthcare workers. It is up to healthcare providers and contractors to find ways of addressing contextual and sociodemographic barriers by increasing access to vaccination whether through transport, or home–care etc. A key barrier of those mentioned to vaccination is a lack of knowledge which needs to be addressed though positive discussions about the health benefits of immunisation as well as the traditional idea of disease-risk prevention. Addressing the above barriers will help to increase vaccine uptake, and produce health-conscientious societies where vaccination becomes a social norm.

scholarly journals Influenza vaccine uptake among at-risk adults (aged 16–64 years) in the UK: a retrospective database analysis

2021 ◽  
Vol 21 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Simon Oakley ◽  
Julien Bouchet ◽  
Paul Costello ◽  
James Parker
Keyword(s):  
At Risk ◽  
Influenza Vaccine ◽  
Influenza Vaccination ◽  
Healthcare Professionals ◽  
Risk Group ◽  
Vaccine Coverage ◽  
Risk Groups ◽  
Vaccine Uptake ◽  
The Uk ◽  
Coverage Rates

Abstract Background In the UK, annual influenza vaccination is currently recommended for adults aged 16–64 years who are in a clinical at-risk group. Despite recommendations, rates of vaccine uptake in the UK have historically been low and below national and international targets. This study aims to analyse vaccine uptake among adults in clinical at-risk groups from the 2015–2016 influenza season to the present. Methods A retrospective analysis of influenza vaccine coverage in the UK was conducted using data extracted from publicly available sources. Clinically at-risk individuals (as defined by Public Health England), including pregnant women, aged 16–64 years, were included in this study. Results Influenza vaccination coverage rates across the UK in adults aged 16–64 years in a clinical at-risk group have been consistently low over the past 5 years, with only 48.0, 42.4, 44.1 and 52.4% of eligible patients in England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland receiving their annual influenza vaccination during the 2018–2019 influenza season. Influenza vaccine coverage was lowest in patients with morbid obesity and highest in patients with diabetes in 2018–2019. Coverage rates were below current national ambitions of ≥75% in all clinical risk groups. In these clinical at-risk groups, influenza vaccine coverage decreased between 2015 and 2019, and there was considerable regional variation. Conclusions Uptake of the influenza vaccine by adults aged 16–64 years in a clinical at-risk group was substantially below the national ambitions. As a result, many individuals in the UK remain at high risk of developing severe influenza or complications. Given that people who are vulnerable to COVID-19 are also at increased risk of complications from influenza, during the 2020–2021 season, there is a heightened need for healthcare professionals across the UK to address suboptimal vaccine uptake, particularly in at-risk patients. Healthcare professionals and policymakers should consider measures targeted at increasing access to and awareness of the clinical benefits of the influenza vaccine.

Influenza vaccination coverage in a population-based cohort of Australian-born Aboriginal and non-Indigenous older adults

2019 ◽  
Vol 43 ◽  
Author(s):  
Amalie Dyda ◽  
Surendra Karki ◽  
Marlene Kong ◽  
Heather F Gidding ◽  
John M Kaldor ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Influenza Vaccine ◽  
Influenza Vaccination ◽  
Vaccination Coverage ◽  
Torres Strait Islander ◽  
Vaccine Coverage ◽  
Vaccine Uptake ◽  
P Value ◽  
Healthy Weight ◽  
Medical Risk ◽  
Torres Strait

Background: There is limited information on vaccination coverage and characteristics associated with vaccine uptake in Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander adults. We aimed to provide more current estimates of influenza vaccination coverage in Aboriginal adults. Methods: Self-reported vaccination status (n=559 Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander participants, n=80,655 non-Indigenous participants) from the 45 and Up Study, a large cohort of adults aged 45 years or older, was used to compare influenza vaccination coverage in Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander adults with coverage in non-Indigenous adults. Results: Of Aboriginal and non-Indigenous respondents aged 49 to <65 years, age-standardised influenza coverage was respectively 45.2% (95% CI 39.5–50.9%) and 38.5%, (37.9–39.0%), p-value for heterogeneity=0.02. Coverage for Aboriginal and non-Indigenous respondents aged ≥65 years was respectively 67.3% (59.9–74.7%) and 72.6% (72.2–73.0%), p-heterogeneity=0.16. Among Aboriginal adults, coverage was higher in obese than in healthy weight participants (adjusted odds ratio (aOR)=2.38, 95%CI 1.44–3.94); in those aged <65 years with a medical risk factor than in those without medical risk factors (aOR=2.13, 1.37–3.30); and in those who rated their health as fair/poor compared to those who rated it excellent (aOR=2.57, 1.26–5.20). Similar associations were found among non-Indigenous adults. Conclusions: In this sample of adults ≥65 years, self-reported influenza vaccine coverage was not significantly different between Aboriginal and non-Indigenous adults whereas in those <65 years, coverage was higher among Aboriginal adults. Overall, coverage in the whole cohort was suboptimal. If these findings are replicated in other samples and in the Australian Immunisation Register, it suggests that measures to improve uptake, such as communication about the importance of influenza vaccine and more effective reminder systems, are needed among adults.

scholarly journals Impact of national influenza vaccination strategy in severe influenza outcomes among the high-risk Portuguese population

2019 ◽  
Vol 19 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Ausenda Machado ◽  
Irina Kislaya ◽  
Amparo Larrauri ◽  
Carlos Matias Dias ◽  
Baltazar Nunes
Keyword(s):  
High Risk ◽  
Influenza Vaccination ◽  
Seasonal Influenza ◽  
Vaccine Coverage ◽  
Vaccination Strategy ◽  
High Risk Population ◽  
Risk Population ◽  
Seasonal Influenza Vaccination ◽  
Severe Influenza ◽  
The Impact

Abstract Background All aged individuals with a chronic condition and those with 65 and more years are at increased risk of severe influenza post-infection complications. There is limited research on cases averted by the yearly vaccination programs in high-risk individuals. The objective was to estimate the impact of trivalent seasonal influenza vaccination on averted hospitalizations and death among the high-risk population in Portugal. Methods The impact of trivalent seasonal influenza vaccination was estimated using vaccine coverage, vaccine effectiveness and the number of influenza-related hospitalizations and deaths. The number of averted events (NAE), prevented fraction (PF) and number needed to vaccinate (NVN) were estimated for seasons 2014/15 to 2016/17. Results The vaccination strategy averted on average approximately 1833 hospitalizations and 383 deaths per season. Highest NAE was observed in the ≥65 years population (85% of hospitalizations and 95% deaths) and in the 2016/17 season (1957 hospitalizations and 439 deaths). On average, seasonal vaccination prevented 21% of hospitalizations in the population aged 65 and more, and 18.5% in the population with chronic conditions. The vaccination also prevented 29% and 19.5% of deaths in each group of the high-risk population. It would be needed to vaccinate 3360 high-risk individuals, to prevent one hospitalization and 60,471 high-risk individuals to prevent one death. Conclusion The yearly influenza vaccination campaigns had a sustained positive benefit for the high-risk population, reducing hospitalizations and deaths. These results can support public health plans toward increased vaccine coverage in high-risk groups.

scholarly journals Influenza Vaccine Uptake and Associated Factors in Aged Care Facilities

2019 ◽  
Vol 34 (s1) ◽  
pp. s140-s140
Author(s):  
Mohana Kunasekaran ◽  
Mallory Trent ◽  
Elisa Lai ◽  
HaoYi Tan ◽  
Abrar Chughtai ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
High Risk ◽  
Influenza Vaccine ◽  
Influenza Vaccination ◽  
Aged Care ◽  
Vaccine Uptake ◽  
Care Staff ◽  
Age Related ◽  
Care Facilities ◽  
Aged Care Facilities ◽  
The Impact

Introduction:Influenza vaccine is recommended for high-risk populations in Australia (including those aged over 65 years) but is less effective in the elderly due to a progressive and predictable age-related decline in immune function, referred to as immunosenescence. Aged care facilities (ACF) are known to be at high risk of explosive outbreaks of influenza (even in highly vaccinated populations) and may reflect a higher intensity of transmission within the closed setting of ACF, as well as lower immunity and immunosenescence in the frail elderly.Methods:To measure the impact of influenza in aged-care staff (ACS) and residents as well as vaccine effectiveness, a prospective observational epidemiological study was conducted in collaboration with an aged-care provider with multiple sites from March to October 2018. Weekly active surveillance on influenza-like symptoms and questionnaires were used to collect data on two groups: ACS and residents. A range of variables was examined against their 2018 influenza vaccination status in statistical analysis.Results:Vaccination rates were high in residents and consistent with other studies. Vaccine rates in aged-care staff were lower and consistent with other studies.Discussion:Residents and relatives are unlikely to change their minds about vaccination from year to year unless there is targeted effort to persuade them to so, and negative perception of the vaccine is likely to persist. Workplace influenza vaccination programs targeted at staff could be an effective method of raising vaccine uptake.

scholarly journals Factors associated with childhood influenza vaccination in Israel: a cross-sectional evaluation

2019 ◽  
Vol 8 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Aharona Glatman-Freedman ◽  
Kanar Amir ◽  
Rita Dichtiar ◽  
Hila Zadka ◽  
Ifat Vainer ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Influenza Vaccine ◽  
Influenza Vaccination ◽  
Vaccine Coverage ◽  
Population Group ◽  
Vaccine Uptake ◽  
Arab Population ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Vaccine Acceptance ◽  
Factors Associated ◽  
Beneficial Effects

Abstract Background Vaccinating children against influenza has shown both direct and indirect beneficial effects. However, despite being offered free of charge, childhood influenza vaccine coverage in Israel has been low. Our objective was to evaluate the factors associated with childhood influenza vaccination in Israel. Methods A cross-sectional language-specific telephone survey was conducted among adults 18 years or older, to examine childhood influenza vaccination practices and their associations with socio-demographic and relevant health variables. We further explored the reasons for these practices among parents. Multivariate logistic regression was used to identify factors associated with childhood influenza vaccine acceptance. Results Of a total of 6518 individuals contacted by mobile phone, 1165 eligible parents, ≥18 years old with children 1–18 years of age, were interviewed, and 1040 of them completed the survey successfully. Overall, factors associated with childhood influenza vaccination were younger child’s age, influenza vaccination of other family members and belonging to the Arab population group. No association was found between childhood influenza vaccination and routine childhood vaccine uptake. Several of the parents’ reasons for vaccine acceptance - preventing influenza or its transmission, awareness regarding the need for influenza vaccination and receipt of invitation to get vaccinated - differed significantly between Jewish and Arab parents. Several reasons reported by parents for not vaccinating children against influenza, indicated a likelihood to accept influenza vaccine outreach efforts. Such reasons were reported by 27.5% of Jewish parents and 37.5% of Arab parents. Conclusions We found that certain demographic factors were associated with childhood influenza vaccination in Israel. Several reasons described by the parent for not vaccinating their children indicate that outreach efforts are likely to increase childhood influenza vaccination. Addressing population group-specific needs is recommended to optimize the success of influenza vaccine outreach efforts.

scholarly journals Influenza vaccination coverage rates in the general population and risk groups: A review of the current international situation

2018 ◽  
Vol 72 ◽  
pp. 1138-1147
Author(s):  
Aneta Nitsch-Osuch ◽  
Anna Jagielska ◽  
Lidia B. Brydak
Keyword(s):  
Health Care ◽  
General Population ◽  
Influenza Vaccination ◽  
Vaccination Coverage ◽  
Vaccine Coverage ◽  
Risk Groups ◽  
The Elderly ◽  
Current Data ◽  
Health Care Facilities ◽  
Coverage Rates

Although several national and international recommendations have been published, influenza vaccinations are carried out too rarely and thus vaccine coverage rates, both in the general population and in risk groups, remain at an unsatisfactorily low level. The paper presents the current data describing influenza vaccine coverage rates in different countries, in the general population and risk groups (including patients with chronic diseases, pregnant women, children the elderly) and health care workers. It is emphasized that there are many limitations related to the estimation of coverage rates. Methods that are currently used for the assessment of influenza vaccination coverage rates include the following: an analysis of data from health care facilities or providers, from national health insurance records, from well-documented national or private vaccine programs targeting at specific smaller groups, evaluation of national vaccine register, and national surveys of individuals. The establishment of coverage rates among specific groups usually requires another approach with the use of individual web- or telephone- based surveys, which is why selection bias and recall bias should be taken into consideration while discussing the results. The most common drivers and barriers for influenza vaccination are also identified and presented in the review.

scholarly journals An Internet-Based Survey of Influenza Vaccination Coverage in Healthcare Workers in China, 2018/2019 Season

Vaccines ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 8 (1) ◽  
pp. 6 ◽  
Author(s):  
Haitao Liu ◽  
Yayun Tan ◽  
Muli Zhang ◽  
Zhibin Peng ◽  
Jiandong Zheng ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Influenza Vaccine ◽  
Influenza Vaccination ◽  
Vaccination Coverage ◽  
Healthcare Workers ◽  
Online Survey ◽  
Vaccine Coverage ◽  
National Level ◽  
Influence Factors ◽  
Multivariate Logistic Regression Analysis ◽  
Vaccine Uptake

Influenza vaccination coverage was low among healthcare workers (HCWs) in China. In October 2018, the National Health Commission of China began to require all hospitals to provide free influenza vaccination for HCWs to increase vaccine uptake, and no study on vaccine coverage among HCWs at the national level after the announcement of new policy. This evaluation aims to investigate self-reported influenza vaccination coverage among HCWs and factors that may affect vaccine receipt during the 2018/2019 influenza season. We delivered an opt-in internet panel survey among registered HCWs of DXY forum (the biggest online forum for HCWs in China). The survey was self-administered using a standard questionnaire to collect information on demographics, occupational characteristics, policy implementation, influenza vaccination and influence factors. We conducted multivariate logistic regression analysis to assess factors associated with receipt of influenza vaccine. The response rate of this online survey was 3.6%. The seasonal influenza vaccine coverage reported among HCWs surveyed during the 2018/2019 season was 11.6% (472/4078). Only 19.0% (774/4078) of HCWs surveyed reported free policy in their workplace. Combing free policy and workplace requirement proved to be effective to improve influenza vaccination coverage in HCWs (PR = 6.90, 95% CI: 6.03–7.65). The influenza vaccination coverage among surveyed HCWs in China was low during the 2018/2019 season. To increase future vaccination uptake, we recommend a multi-faceted strategy that include free policy, workplace requirement and promotion, on-site vaccination, and monitoring.

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

2008 ◽  
Vol 13 (43) ◽  
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.

scholarly journals Influenza vaccination knowledge, attitudes, and practices among Tunisian elderly with chronic diseases

2021 ◽  
Vol 21 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Ghassen Kharroubi ◽  
Ines Cherif ◽  
Leila Bouabid ◽  
Adel Gharbi ◽  
Aicha Boukthir ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Side Effects ◽  
Influenza Vaccine ◽  
Influenza Vaccination ◽  
Chronic Diseases ◽  
Influenza Season ◽  
The Elderly ◽  
Health Care Facilities ◽  
Vaccine Uptake ◽  
Health Concern ◽  
To Receive

Abstract Background Generally, seasonal influenza does not cause severe infection in healthy adults, but for the elderly, an infection can pose a serious health concern. Although several measures can help prevent influenza, vaccination is considered the most effective. This study aimed to assess influenza vaccine uptake among elderly with chronic diseases in Tunisia during the 2018–2019 influenza season, and to identify knowledge, attitudes and barriers associated with influenza vaccine uptake. Methods During influenza season of 2018–2019, we conducted a national cross-sectional study among elderly with chronic disease who were attending primary and secondary health care facilities in Tunisia. We collected data regarding practices, general knowledge and attitudes related to influenza and influenza vaccine, using a standardized questionnaire. A multivariate analysis by logistic regression was performed to assess the factors influencing willingness to receive influenza vaccine. Results Among the 1191 surveyed elderly, 19.4% (95%CI 14.1–21.9) were vaccinated during the 2018–2019 influenza season and 64.7% (61.9–67.3) expressed willingness to be vaccinated in the next season regardless of vaccination status in the 2018–2019 season. Previous vaccination in the 2018–2019 influenza season was the most significantly associated factor with willingness to receive influenza vaccine (adjusted OR = 16.5 [3.7–72.4]). Significant associations were also observed between knowledge of influenza severity for the elderly as well as for those with chronic diseases and willingness to be vaccinated (p < 0.01). Likewise, participants who were convinced by flu vaccine effectiveness and those who were not concerned about vaccine side effects were more likely to be vaccinated (p < 0.001). The main reason that may lead to vaccine acceptance was a doctor’s recommendation (41.1%), while the two main reasons that may lead to vaccine refusal were concerns about side effects (71.5%) and a belief that vaccine was ineffective in averting influenza illness (33.9%). Doctors were the most trusted source for information about influenza vaccine (91.5%). Conclusion Our study revealed low influenza vaccination coverage among Tunisian elderly with chronic diseases believed to be at higher risk for severe acute respiratory infections and death if infected with influenza. Treating physicians’ role in promoting influenza vaccination in this high-risk group seems to be crucial.

Sign in / Sign up

Export Citation Format

Share Document