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Published on: June 25, 2015
Impact of funding influenza vaccination on coverage among Australian children: a national study using
Carla De Oliveira Bernardo1, David Alejandro González-Chica1,2, Nigel Stocks1,3,4
1Discipline of General Practice, Adelaide Medical School, The University of Adelaide, Adelaide, Australia.
Insights
Free influenza vaccination programs significantly increased childhood vaccination coverage in Australian general practices. Coverage rose fivefold, with children in wealthier areas benefiting most, highlighting the need for targeted campaigns in low-income regions.
Area of Science:
- Pediatrics
- Public Health
- Epidemiology
Background:
- Influenza poses a significant global health burden, with children facing elevated risks of severe complications.
- Childhood influenza vaccination is crucial for direct protection and reducing disease transmission.
Purpose of the Study:
- To analyze influenza vaccination coverage trends in Australian children under five years old between 2015 and 2018.
- To examine vaccination patterns before and after the introduction of state-funded immunization initiatives.
- To identify factors associated with influenza vaccination uptake in this pediatric population.
Main Methods:
- Utilized data from the MedicineInsight database, including 196,520 active patients aged under five from 542 Australian general practices.
- Employed logistic regression models to assess associations between vaccination status and patient/practice characteristics.
- Analyzed vaccination coverage changes over time and by geographical socioeconomic status.
Main Results:
- Overall influenza vaccination coverage in children under five increased dramatically from 3.9% in 2015 to 19.6% in 2018.
- Coverage varied significantly across different Australian states.
- Children attending practices in the wealthiest areas showed a greater increase in vaccination coverage post-funding implementation (17 percentage points) compared to those in the least advantaged areas (11 percentage points).
Conclusions:
- State-funded influenza vaccination programs are effective in increasing coverage among at-risk pediatric populations.
- While overall coverage improved, disparities persist, with children in wealthier areas benefiting more.
- Targeted promotional campaigns are recommended to enhance and sustain higher vaccination rates in practices located in low-income areas.
Abstract:
Influenza contributes to morbidity and mortality worldwide. Children are at a higher risk of influenza-related complications and vaccination promotes direct protection and limits transmission. This study aimed to explore influenza vaccination coverage among children in Australian general practice from 2015 to 2018, and patterns in coverage before and after the implementation of state-funded immunization programs. Data from 196,520 'active' patients (3+ consultations in two consecutive years) aged <5 years from 542 Australian general practices were included (MedicineInsight database). Logistic regression models were used to identify associations between vaccination with patient and practice characteristics. The overall vaccination coverage increased more than five times from 2015 (3.9%) to 2018 (19.6%) and varied among states. Children attending practices located in the wealthiest areas were more likely to receive the vaccine and appeared to benefit most from the funding, as the increase in coverage from 2017 to 2018 was greater among them than those attending practices in the least advantaged areas (17 vs. 11 percentage points, respectively). This relationship was not evident when analyzing the patient's socioeconomic level. In conclusion, free influenza vaccinations increase coverage in at-risk populations. Promotional campaigns may be required to maintain higher coverage and target practices located in low-income areas.
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