[Flu vaccination coverage in the Hospital Italiano de Buenos Aires: Cross-sectional study]

Influenza represents a global public health challenge. Influenza vaccination is crucial for preventing complications. The World Health Organization recommends a coverage rate of at least 75% for the at-risk population. The aim of this study was to evaluate vaccination coverage among members of the Health Plan of the Hospital Italiano de Buenos Aires.

Cross-sectional study nested within a dynamic cohort. All members of the Health Plan during the influenza vaccination campaigns of 2022 and 2023 were included. The influenza vaccination rate was calculated and reported as a percentage with its respective 95% confidence interval (CI95%). Demographic variables and comorbidities were analyzed.

The influenza vaccination rate was 12% in 2022 and 10% in 2023. Subjects aged between 6 and 23 months had the highest vaccination rates in both periods, at 43% (CI95% 41-46) in 2022 and 48% (CI95% 45-51) in 2023, followed by the population over 65 years old with a rate of 23% (CI95% 23-24) in 2022 and 18% (CI95% 18-19) in 2023. The most common comorbidities were hypertension and dyslipidemia.

Influenza vaccination coverage in our population fell below the recommendations of the World Health Organization, highlighting the presence of barriers to influenza immunization.