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Influenza vaccine coverage in paediatric population from central Israel

M Stein1, O Yossepowitch, E Somekh

  • 1The Pediatric Infectious Diseases unit, Wolfson Medical Center, Holon, Israel.

The Journal of Infection
|May 24, 2005
PubMed

Insights

Influenza vaccine coverage in Israeli children is critically low at 4.1%, even for high-risk groups. Pediatrician recommendations for the flu vaccine were also infrequent, indicating a need for improved public health strategies.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatrics
  • Public Health
  • Epidemiology

Background:

  • Influenza vaccination is crucial for pediatric populations to prevent severe illness.
  • Understanding vaccination coverage rates and influencing factors is vital for public health initiatives.
  • Pediatric emergency rooms (ER) serve as a critical point for assessing child health and vaccination status.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To determine the influenza vaccine coverage among children presenting to a pediatric ER.
  • To assess the role of primary pediatrician recommendations in pediatric influenza vaccination.
  • To identify vaccination rates within high-risk pediatric groups and specific age demographics.

Main Methods:

  • A cross-sectional study was conducted involving parents of children attending a pediatric ER during the 2003-2004 winter season.
  • Data collection included children's influenza vaccination status, pediatrician recommendations, medical history, and epidemiological details via questionnaires.
  • A total of 557 questionnaires were completed, providing a sample for analysis.

Main Results:

  • Overall influenza vaccine coverage was low at 4.1% (23/557 children vaccinated).
  • Coverage was slightly higher in high-risk groups (6.5%) and infants aged 6-24 months (2.7%).
  • Primary pediatricians recommended the influenza vaccine in only 10.6% of cases, with lower rates for high-risk infants and children.

Conclusions:

  • Influenza vaccine uptake among Israeli children is alarmingly low, including those in high-risk categories.
  • The low vaccination rates suggest potential gaps in pediatrician awareness and recommendation practices regarding influenza vaccination.
  • There is a clear need to enhance influenza vaccination strategies and improve pediatrician engagement in promoting vaccine uptake in children.
Abstract

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