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de Fougerolles TR, Baïssas T, Perquier G, Vitoux O, Crépey P, Bartelt-Hofer J, Bricout H, Petitjean A. Public health and economic benefits of seasonal influenza vaccination in risk groups in France, Italy, Spain and the UK: state of play and perspectives. BMC Public Health 2024; 24:1222. [PMID: 38702667 PMCID: PMC11067100 DOI: 10.1186/s12889-024-18694-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/15/2024] [Accepted: 04/23/2024] [Indexed: 05/06/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Seasonal influenza epidemics have a substantial public health and economic burden, which can be alleviated through vaccination. The World Health Organization (WHO) recommends a 75% vaccination coverage rate (VCR) in: older adults (aged ≥ 65 years), individuals with chronic conditions, pregnant women, children aged 6-24 months and healthcare workers. However, no European country achieves this target in all risk groups. In this study, potential public health and economic benefits achieved by reaching 75% influenza VCR was estimated in risk groups across four European countries: France, Italy, Spain, and the UK. METHODS A static epidemiological model was used to estimate the averted public health and economic burden of increasing the 2021/2022 season VCR to 75%, using the efficacy data of standard-dose quadrivalent influenza vaccine. For each country and risk group, the most recent data on population size, VCR, pre-pandemic influenza epidemiology, direct medical costs and absenteeism were identified through a systematic literature review, supplemented by manual searching. Outcomes were: averted influenza cases, general practitioner (GP) visits, hospitalisations, case fatalities, number of days of work lost, direct medical costs and absenteeism-related costs. RESULTS As of the 2021/2022 season, the UK achieved the highest weighted VCR across risk groups (65%), followed by Spain (47%), France (44%) and Italy (44%). Based on modelling, the 2021/2022 VCR prevented an estimated 1.9 million influenza cases, avoiding 375,200 GP visits, 73,200 hospitalisations and 38,400 deaths. To achieve the WHO 75% VCR target, an additional 24 million at-risk individuals would need to be vaccinated, most of which being older adults and patients with chronic conditions. It was estimated that this could avoid a further 918,200 influenza cases, 332,000 GP visits, 16,300 hospitalisations and 6,300 deaths across the four countries, with older adults accounting for 52% of hospitalisations and 80% of deaths. An additional €84 million in direct medical costs and €79 million in absenteeism costs would be saved in total, with most economic benefits delivered in France. CONCLUSIONS Older adults represent most vaccine-preventable influenza cases and deaths, followed by individuals with chronic conditions. Health authorities should prioritise vaccinating these populations for maximum public health and economic benefits.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | - Pascal Crépey
- Univ Rennes, EHESP, CNRS, INSERM, Arènes - UMR 6051, RSMS - U 1309, Rennes, France
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Alsaif F, Twigg M, Scott S, Blyth A, Wright D, Patel A. A systematic review of barriers and enablers associated with uptake of influenza vaccine among care home staff. Vaccine 2023; 41:6156-6173. [PMID: 37673716 DOI: 10.1016/j.vaccine.2023.08.082] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/12/2023] [Revised: 08/28/2023] [Accepted: 08/29/2023] [Indexed: 09/08/2023]
Abstract
Barriers and enablers to vaccination of care home (CH) staff should be identified in order to develop interventions to address them that increase uptake and protect residents. We aimed to synthesis the evidence describing the barriers and enablers that affect the influenza vaccination uptake of care home (CH) staff. METHOD We searched PubMed, MEDLINE, EMBASE, CINAHL, PsycINFO, AMED, IBSS, SCOPUS to identify quantitative, qualitative or mixed-method studies. Data related to health or social care workers in CHs reported barriers or enablers were extracted and mapped to the Theoretical Domains Framework (TDF); the data within each domain were grouped and categorized into key factors affecting influenza vaccine uptake among CH staff. RESULTS We screened 4025 studies; 42 studies met our inclusion criteria. Thirty-four (81 %) were surveys. Five theoretical domains were frequently reported as mediators of influenza vaccine uptake: Beliefs about consequences (32 studies), Environmental context and resources (30 studies), Emotions (26 studies), Social influences (25 studies), Knowledge (22 studies). The low acceptance rate of the influenza vaccine among CH staff can be attributed to multiple factors, including insufficient understanding of the vaccine, its efficacy, or misconceptions about the vaccine (knowledge), perceiving the vaccine as ineffective and unsafe (beliefs about consequences), fear of influenza vaccine and its side effects (emotions), and experiencing limited accessibility to the vaccine (environmental context and resources). CONCLUSION Interventions aimed at increasing influenza vaccine uptake among CH staff should focus on addressing the barriers identified in this review. These interventions should include components such as enhancing knowledge by providing accurate information about vaccine benefits and safety, addressing negative beliefs by challenging misconceptions, managing concerns and fears through open communication, and improving accessibility to the vaccine through convenient on-site options. This review provides a foundation for the development of tailored Interventions to improve influenza vaccine uptake among CH staff.
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Affiliation(s)
- Faisal Alsaif
- School of Pharmacy, University of East Anglia, Norwich Research Park, Norwich, NR4 7TJ, UK.
| | - Michael Twigg
- School of Pharmacy, University of East Anglia, Norwich Research Park, Norwich, NR4 7TJ, UK.
| | - Sion Scott
- School of Healthcare, University of Leicester, University Road, Leicester LE1 7RH, UK.
| | - Annie Blyth
- School of Economics, University of East Anglia, Norwich Research Park, Norwich NR4 7TJ, UK.
| | - David Wright
- School of Healthcare, University of Leicester, University Road, Leicester LE1 7RH, UK.
| | - Amrish Patel
- School of Economics, University of East Anglia, Norwich Research Park, Norwich NR4 7TJ, UK.
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Palache A, Billingsley JK, MacLaren K, Morgan L, Rockman S, Barbosa P. Lessons learned from the COVID-19 pandemic for improved influenza control. Vaccine 2023; 41:5877-5883. [PMID: 37598027 DOI: 10.1016/j.vaccine.2023.08.028] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/14/2023] [Revised: 08/10/2023] [Accepted: 08/12/2023] [Indexed: 08/21/2023]
Abstract
The World Health Organization noted that COVID-19 vaccination programmes could be leveraged to deliver influenza vaccination. In 2008, the International Federation of Pharmaceutical Manufacturers and Associations' (IFPMA) Influenza Vaccine Supply International Task Force (IVS) developed a survey method using the number of influenza vaccine doses distributed globally to estimate vaccination coverage rates. Seven hundred and ninety-seven million doses were distributed in 2021, representing a 205% increase over the 262 million doses distributed in 2004, exceeding the number of doses distributed during and after the 2009-2010 influenza pandemic. The most obvious explanation for the global increase is the enabling of critical elements of the vaccine ecosystem by decision-makers during the COVID-19 pandemic to reinforce implementation of influenza vaccination programs. Most of the improvements in performance of influenza programs during the COVID-19 pandemic can be classified in four categories: 1) promoting vaccination using tailored approaches for specific populations; 2) improving convenient access to influenza vaccines in COVID-safe settings; 3) improving reimbursement of seasonal influenza vaccination for priority groups; 4) maintaining the timing of vaccination to the autumn. In spite of the increase in rates of seasonal influenza vaccines distributed during the COVID-19 pandemic, globally, the rate of influenza dose distribution is sub-optimal, and a considerable proportion of the influenza infections remains preventable. To sustain the benefits from increased uptake of influenza vaccines, governments need to sustain the efforts made during the COVID-19 pandemic, and a number of global policy endeavours should be undertaken, including developing a clear global roadmap for achieving influenza control objectives, adopted by a WHA resolution, in line with the strategic objective 3 of the Global Influenza Strategy 2030, embedded in the Immunization Agenda 2030 (IA2030).
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Affiliation(s)
- Abraham Palache
- Consultant at Abbott, C.J. van Houtenlaan 36, 1381 CP Weesp, the Netherlands.
| | | | | | - Lyn Morgan
- Sanofi 14 Espace Henry Vallée, 69007 Lyon, France.
| | - Steven Rockman
- CSL Seqirus Ltd, 63 Poplar Road, Parkville, Victoria 3052, Australia; Department of Immunology and Microbiology, the University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, Australia.
| | - Paula Barbosa
- International Federation of Pharmaceutical Manufacturers and Associations, Ch. des Mines 9, P.O. Box 195, 1211 Geneva 20, Switzerland.
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4
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Langer R, Thanner M. Pharmacists' attitudes toward influenza vaccination: does the COVID-19 pandemic make a difference? EXPLORATORY RESEARCH IN CLINICAL AND SOCIAL PHARMACY 2023; 9:100235. [PMID: 36816546 PMCID: PMC9925413 DOI: 10.1016/j.rcsop.2023.100235] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/02/2022] [Revised: 01/26/2023] [Accepted: 02/10/2023] [Indexed: 02/16/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Influenza vaccine uptake in most European countries remains low, despite the World Health Organization's target of 75%. Community pharmacists play a vital role in promoting vaccination; however, they have been reported to be vaccine-hesitant. This study aimed to investigate changes in pharmacists' attitudes toward influenza vaccination since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, as well as their COVID-19 vaccination intentions. Methods In December 2020, all members of the Swiss Association of Pharmacists were invited to participate in an online, cross-sectional survey. This study assessed pharmacists' attitudes toward influenza vaccination by surveying influenza vaccine uptake during the 2019-20 influenza season and possible reasons for their decision(s), in addition to their intention to receive COVID-19 and seasonal influenza vaccination(s) during the 2020-21 influenza season. Descriptive analysis and multinomial logistic regression were used to assess predictors of vaccine uptake and intention. Results Of 5900 Swiss pharmacists, 569 (9.6%) completed the survey. The self-reported influenza vaccination coverage among pharmacists during the 2019-20 season was 48.0%. The primary reason for vaccine uptake was the belief that all healthcare workers should be vaccinated, whereas the main reason for refusal was a lack of concern about contracting influenza. The proportions of participants who intend to accept influenza and COVID-19 vaccinations in the 2020-2021 season, when available, were 63.3% and 66.5%, respectively. The most important predictor of high willingness to be vaccinated against influenza in 2020-21 was vaccination history (OR = 3.73; 95% CI = 1.47-9.50), while the most critical predictor of willingness to be vaccinated against COVID-19 was the intention to be vaccinated against influenza (OR = 3.45; 95% CI = 1.74-6.84). Conclusions Findings indicated that although pharmacists' readiness to accept seasonal influenza vaccination significantly increased during the COVID-19 pandemic, influenza vaccine uptake among them remains suboptimal. This is consistent with what has been reported in the literature.
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Affiliation(s)
- Roland Langer
- Department of Medical Sciences, Private University in the Principality of Liechtenstein (UFL), Triesen, Principality of Liechtenstein,Corresponding author.
| | - Mirjam Thanner
- Frauenklinik, Kantonsspital St. Gallen, St. Gallen, Switzerland
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de Fougerolles TR, Damm O, Ansaldi F, Chironna M, Crépey P, de Lusignan S, Gray I, Guillen JM, Kassianos G, Mosnier A, de Lejarazu RO, Pariani E, Puig-Barbera J, Schelling J, Trippi F, Vanhems P, Wahle K, Watkins J, Rasuli A, Vitoux O, Bricout H. National influenza surveillance systems in five European countries: a qualitative comparative framework based on WHO guidance. BMC Public Health 2022; 22:1151. [PMID: 35681199 PMCID: PMC9178537 DOI: 10.1186/s12889-022-13433-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/10/2020] [Accepted: 05/13/2022] [Indexed: 11/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Influenza surveillance systems vary widely between countries and there is no framework to evaluate national surveillance systems in terms of data generation and dissemination. This study aimed to develop and test a comparative framework for European influenza surveillance. Methods Surveillance systems were evaluated qualitatively in five European countries (France, Germany, Italy, Spain, and the United Kingdom) by a panel of influenza experts and researchers from each country. Seven surveillance sub-systems were defined: non-medically attended community surveillance, virological surveillance, community surveillance, outbreak surveillance, primary care surveillance, hospital surveillance, mortality surveillance). These covered a total of 19 comparable outcomes of increasing severity, ranging from non-medically attended cases to deaths, which were evaluated using 5 comparison criteria based on WHO guidance (granularity, timing, representativeness, sampling strategy, communication) to produce a framework to compare the five countries. Results France and the United Kingdom showed the widest range of surveillance sub-systems, particularly for hospital surveillance, followed by Germany, Spain, and Italy. In all countries, virological, primary care and hospital surveillance were well developed, but non-medically attended events, influenza cases in the community, outbreaks in closed settings and mortality estimates were not consistently reported or published. The framework also allowed the comparison of variations in data granularity, timing, representativeness, sampling strategy, and communication between countries. For data granularity, breakdown per risk condition were available in France and Spain, but not in the United Kingdom, Germany and Italy. For data communication, there were disparities in the timeliness and accessibility of surveillance data. Conclusions This new framework can be used to compare influenza surveillance systems qualitatively between countries to allow the identification of structural differences as well as to evaluate adherence to WHO guidance. The framework may be adapted for other infectious respiratory diseases. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12889-022-13433-0.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Oliver Damm
- Sanofi-Aventis Deutschland GmbH, Berlin, Germany
| | | | - Maria Chironna
- Department of Interdisciplinary Medicine - Hygiene Section, University of Bari, Bari, Italy
| | - Pascal Crépey
- Université de Rennes, EHESP, CNRS, Inserm, Arènes - UMR 6051, RSMS - U 1309, Rennes, France
| | - Simon de Lusignan
- University of Oxford, Oxford, UK.,Royal College of General Practitioners, London, UK
| | | | | | | | | | | | - Elena Pariani
- Department of Biomedical Sciences for Health, University of Milan, Milan, Italy
| | | | | | | | - Philippe Vanhems
- CIRI, Centre International de Recherche en Infectiologie, (Team (PHE3ID), Univ Lyon, Inserm, U1111, Université Claude Bernard Lyon 1, CNRS, UMR5308, ENS de Lyon, F-69007, Lyon, France.,Hospices Civils de Lyon and Hospices Civils de Lyon (HCL), Lyon, France
| | - Klaus Wahle
- Westfälische Wilhelms-Universität, Munich, Germany
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Greiner B, Hartwell M. Influenza Vaccination Uptake Trends by Age, Race, and Ethnicity in the United States Between 2017 and 2020. J Prim Care Community Health 2022; 13:21501319221104917. [PMID: 35678259 PMCID: PMC9189513 DOI: 10.1177/21501319221104917] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
| | - Micah Hartwell
- Oklahoma State University Center for Health Sciences, Tulsa, OK, USA
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Baïssas T, Boisnard F, Cuesta Esteve I, Garcia Sánchez M, Jones CE, Rigoine de Fougerolles T, Tan L, Vitoux O, Klein C. Vaccination in pregnancy against pertussis and seasonal influenza: key learnings and components from high-performing vaccine programmes in three countries: the United Kingdom, the United States and Spain. BMC Public Health 2021; 21:2182. [PMID: 34844567 PMCID: PMC8628032 DOI: 10.1186/s12889-021-12198-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/03/2021] [Accepted: 11/03/2021] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Pertussis and seasonal influenza are responsible for significant maternal, neonatal, and infant morbidity and mortality, but vaccine coverage rates (VCR) for both pertussis (administered as a tetanus, diphtheria, acellular pertussis [Tdap] vaccination) and seasonal influenza in pregnancy remain generally low. Only a small number of countries, including Spain, the United Kingdom (UK), and the United States (US), have high Tdap and seasonal influenza VCRs in pregnancy. The purpose of this study was to identify the key factors that contributed to the high VCRs observed in these countries. METHODS The experience from both Tdap and seasonal influenza vaccination programmes during pregnancy were documented in Spain, the UK, and the US using a three-step approach. A literature review yielded 157 publications, and a further 117 documents were selected through desk research. A published five-pillar VCR framework for influenza was amended to evaluate the specific contributing factors leading to high Tdap and seasonal influenza VCRs among pregnant women. RESULTS The analysis identified components that contributed to higher VCR in pregnant women across three different healthcare systems in Spain, UK, and US. The combination of several key interventions in each country led to a rapid increase in VCR that reached near-optimal levels (i.e. 75% for seasonal influenza) within a few years. As well as inclusion in national immunisation programme and vaccine reimbursement, key components that were identified included the mobilisation of health authorities, prenatal care Healthcare Professionals (HCP) and scientific societies, the inclusion of vaccination in antenatal medical guidance, the provision of educational material to HCPs, and a strong disease awareness driven by recent pertussis outbreaks in each country. CONCLUSIONS Although there is no simple, universal solution to improving sub-optimal VCRs, the list of components identified in this study from three countries with high-performing Tdap and seasonal influenza vaccination programmes provides a basis for public health and medical stakeholders in other countries to define strategies to successfully implement national vaccination programmes for pregnant women.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | - Christine E Jones
- Faculty of Medicine and Institute for Life Sciences University of Southampton and NIHR Southampton Clinical Research Facility and Biomedical Research Centre, University Hospital Southampton NHS Foundation Trust, Southampton, UK
| | | | - Litjen Tan
- Immunisation Action Coalition, Saint Paul, MN, USA
| | | | - Christina Klein
- Sanofi Pasteur, 14, Espace Henry Vallée, 69007, Lyon, France.
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8
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El Guerche-Séblain C, Rigoine De Fougerolles T, Sampson K, Jennings L, Van Buynder P, Shu Y, Sekawi Z, Yee-Sin L, Walls T, Vitoux O, Yin JK, Wong A, Schellevis F, Vanhems P. Comparison of influenza surveillance systems in Australia, China, Malaysia and expert recommendations for influenza control. BMC Public Health 2021; 21:1750. [PMID: 34563151 PMCID: PMC8466892 DOI: 10.1186/s12889-021-11765-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/25/2021] [Accepted: 08/29/2021] [Indexed: 11/11/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The Western Pacific Region (WPR) is exposed each year to seasonal influenza and is often the source of new influenza virus variants and novel pathogen emergence. National influenza surveillance systems play a critical role in detecting emerging viruses, monitoring influenza epidemics, improving public disease awareness and promoting pandemic preparedness, but vary widely across WPR countries. The aim of this study is to improve existing influenza surveillance systems by systematically comparing selected WPR influenza surveillance systems. METHODS Three national influenza surveillance systems with different levels of development (Australia, China and Malaysia) were compared and their adherence to World Health Organization (WHO) guidance was evaluated using a structured framework previously tested in several European countries consisting of seven surveillance sub-systems, 19 comparable outcomes and five evaluation criteria. Based on the results, experts from the Asia-Pacific Alliance for the Control of Influenza (APACI) issued recommendations for the improvement of existing surveillance systems. RESULTS Australia demonstrated the broadest scope of influenza surveillance followed by China and Malaysia. In Australia, surveillance tools covered all sub-systems. In China, surveillance did not cover non-medically attended respiratory events, primary care consultations, and excess mortality modelling. In Malaysia, surveillance consisted of primary care and hospital sentinel schemes. There were disparities between the countries across the 5 evaluation criteria, particularly regarding data granularity from health authorities, information on data representativeness, and data communication, especially the absence of publicly available influenza epidemiological reports in Malaysia. This dual approach describing the scope of surveillance and evaluating the adherence to WHO guidance enabled APACI experts to make a number of recommendations for each country that included but were not limited to introducing new surveillance tools, broadening the use of specific existing surveillance tools, collecting and sharing data on virus characteristics, developing immunization status registries, and improving public health communication. CONCLUSIONS Influenza monitoring in Australia, China, and Malaysia could benefit from the expansion of existing surveillance sentinel schemes, the broadened use of laboratory confirmation and the introduction of excess-mortality modelling. The results from the evaluation can be used as a basis to support expert recommendations and to enhance influenza surveillance capabilities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Clotilde El Guerche-Séblain
- Global Medical Evidence Generation (MEG) Lead, Influenza Sanofi Pasteur, Medical Influenza Franchise, Sanofi-Aventis (Singapore) Pte. Ltd. 38, Beach Road, #18-11, South Beach Tower, Sanofi Pasteur, Singapore, Singapore.
- University Claude Bernard Lyon 1, Lyon, France.
| | | | - Kim Sampson
- Asia-Pacific Alliance for the Control of Influenza (APACI), Melbourne, Australia
- Australian Immunisation Coalition, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Lance Jennings
- University of Otago, Christchurch, New Zealand
- Canterbury Health Laboratories, Christchurch, New Zealand
| | - Paul Van Buynder
- Department of Public Health, Griffith University, Griffith, Victoria, Australia
| | - Yuelong Shu
- School of Public Health (Shenzhen), Sun Yat-sen University, Shenzhen, China
| | - Zamberi Sekawi
- Chair Malaysia Influenza Working Group (MIWG), Universiti Putra, Seri Kembangan, Malaysia
| | - Leo Yee-Sin
- National Center for Infectious Diseases (NCID), Singapore, Singapore
| | - Tony Walls
- University of Otago, Christchurch, New Zealand
- Paediatric Society of New Zealand Infection and Immunization Special Interest Group, Christchurch, New Zealand
| | | | - J Kevin Yin
- Global Medical Affairs, Sanofi Pasteur, Singapore, Singapore
- Faculty of Medicine and Health, The University of Sydney, Sydney, Australia
| | - Ada Wong
- Public Affairs, Sanofi Pasteur, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Francois Schellevis
- Netherlands Institute for Health Services Research, Utrecht, The Netherlands
- Department of General Practice, Amsterdam Public Health Research Institute, Amsterdam University Medical Centres, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Philippe Vanhems
- Unité d'Hygiène, Epidémiologie, Infectiovigilance et Prévention, Hospices Civils de Lyon, Lyon, France
- PHE3ID, Centre International de Recherche en Infectiologie, Institut National de la Santé et de la Recherche Médicale U1111, CNRS Unité Mixte de Recherche 5308, École Nationale Supérieure de Lyon, Université Claude Bernard Lyon 1, Lyon, France
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Oakley S, Bouchet J, Costello P, Parker J. Influenza vaccine uptake among at-risk adults (aged 16-64 years) in the UK: a retrospective database analysis. BMC Public Health 2021; 21:1734. [PMID: 34560879 PMCID: PMC8460844 DOI: 10.1186/s12889-021-11736-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/18/2021] [Accepted: 08/29/2021] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
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.
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Affiliation(s)
- Simon Oakley
- Sanofi Pasteur, 410 Thames Valley Park Drive, Reading, RG6 1PT, UK.
| | - Julien Bouchet
- Sanofi Pasteur, Campus Sanofi Lyon Carteret, A2-6ème et. 14, Espace Henry Vallée, 69007, Lyon, France
| | - Paul Costello
- Sanofi Pasteur, 410 Thames Valley Park Drive, Reading, RG6 1PT, UK
| | - James Parker
- Sanofi Pasteur, 410 Thames Valley Park Drive, Reading, RG6 1PT, UK
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