Evaluation of the Canterbury under-18 seasonal influenza vaccination programme

To evaluate the performance of the 2013 Canterbury under-18 seasonal influenza vaccination programme (Christchurch, New Zealand).

Routinely collected under 18 influenza vaccination uptake data were analysed to determine levels of vaccination uptake and equity of uptake across ethnic groups (NZ European, Maori and Pacific) and by level of deprivation. Qualitative data were collected to identify strategies that helped to achieve high uptake in primary care practices and schools.

Overall uptake of influenza vaccination in 2013 was 32.9%, (compared to 18.5% in 2012), close to the target of 40%. Overall uptake in primary care was higher than in the school-based programme (29.2% versus 19.7%). Maori students had higher uptake than NZ European students in the school-based programme. In primary care, uptake for both Maori and Pacific children was lower than overall uptake and there was a marked gradient in uptake by socioeconomic quintile, with 30.2% uptake in the least deprived quintile compared to 21.9% uptake in the most deprived quintile.

The cumulative effect of 3 years' consistency in offering the under-18 influenza vaccination in primary care practices, assisted by a timely media campaign and additional awareness generated by the school-based programme, has resulted in a marked increase in uptake of the vaccine in primary care in 2013. However, this was not equitably distributed. The school-based programme achieved better equity of uptake by deprivation and ethnicity. The challenge is to achieve both high and equitable uptake.