[Assessment of the efficiency of vaccination against influenza (author's transl)]

The efficiency of the vaccination against influenza resp. its assessment depends on methodological factors, on the vaccine in use and on the epidemiological situation. According to serological tests protection rates (p) may be found of 0,8-0,9; a combined clinical and serological evaluation leads to a value of p=0,7 and after clinical estimation p=0,5. For statistical evaluation it is important to know whether the groups of persons to be compared were randomized or selected. Vaccination groups consisting of volunteers were selected in as much as the vaccines apparently exhibited a higher premorbidity than the control groups. Further on the protection rate is influenced by the number of vaccinations performed. Another very important factor is the composition of the vaccine in use, which should be in accordance with the recommendations of the WHO. Concentration of antigen and addition of adiuvant also influences the efficiency of inactivated vaccines. The antigenic composition is also relevant in live attenuated vaccines. Epidemiological factors are of importance in as much as the efficiency of the vaccination rises with the morbidity of the population. However, even in interepidemic periods the vaccination offers a certain degree of clinically observable protection (0,3). The indication for vaccination against influenza is influenced by age. In older persons the vaccination depresses morbidity and mortality rates, in middle aged working people lower morbidity and a drop in days of absence resulted as consequence of a vaccination campaign, whereas in children shedding of virus is prevented by the vaccination.