Influenza vaccine coverage in age-related risk groups in Poland, 2004-2007

Routine vaccination of certain groups of persons, including children and the elderly might provide additional protection to persons at risk for influenza complications and reduce the overall influenza burden. The aim of the paper was to estimate the influenza vaccine coverage in persons aged 0-4 years and > 65 years in Poland in 2004-2007. Official data collected by National Institute of Hygiene, National Institute of Public Health and Central Statistical Office were analyzed. Among vaccinations performed in all persons, the percentage of vaccinations performed in children aged 0-4 years varied from 1.6% to 2.0%. The estimated vaccination coverage in this age group of population was < 2%. Among persons aged > 65 years the influenza vaccine coverage increased from 7% in 2004 to 14% in 2007. Subjects aged > 65 years represented 25-36% of all vaccinated individuals. The influenza vaccination rates among age-related risk groups in Poland remain low. No or very low increase in a total vaccination coverage rates, as demonstrated in our paper, indicates that meeting the WHO targets concerning influenza vaccination coverage will be very difficult, if no further action is taken concerning vaccine uptake.