Prevalence of influenza and adherence to the anti-flu vaccination among elderly

Abstract

Introduction:The flu, a condition that can affect the elderly by increasing the risk of serious complications can be prevented through vaccination. Estimate the prevalence of signs and symptoms suggestive of influenza in a group of elderly either vaccinated or unvaccinated against influenza was the objective this study. Methods: This is a cross-sectional study performed in a Brazilian City. A structured questionnaire was employed to identify the presence of signs and symptoms of influenza in individuals aged 60 years or over. For analysis of associations between variables the prevalence ratio (PR) and its 95% confidence interval (95% CI) were used. Results: One hundred ninety-six participants were interviewed, of whom 57.7% were female. The average age was 69.7 years. About 25% of the vaccinated and 20% of the unvaccinated in 2009, and 25% of the vaccinated and 22.5% of the unvaccinated in 2010 reported having the flu. Among the vaccinated and unvaccinated in 2009 and 2010, there was no verified association between vaccination and influenza (PR=1.24; [95% CI: 0.63-2.43] and PR=1.11; [95% CI: 0.59-2.09], respectively). Conclusions: This study suggests that, among the elderly selected, the vaccination coverage for influenza is below the ideal, even with projection of the best indices for 2011 (~ 84%). The data on vaccination and disease protection needs further research; however, the results point to the need for measures to better clarify to this population about the disease, its complications and the benefits of vaccination, in addition to combatting the stigma related to low adherence.

Vaccination against influenza in elderly people: factors associated with acceptance and refusal of the vaccine

“…National studies [10][11] have found prevalence rates higher than that reported from the current study (71.9%).…”

“…Other studies corroborate that educating the target population about the need for and the safety of immunization would help achieve this goal 2,4,10,11 .…”

“…The rest of the participants did not have proof of immunization, although the self-reported prevalence of vaccination was 71.9%. This number was used in the discussion of results, considering that the self-reporting method has been adopted for most of the national studies in the area 2,4,10,11 .…”

A Humoral Immunity Survey Following the 2012 Influenza Season After the pH1N1 Pandemic in Guangzhou, China

“…Achieving high vaccination rates in the senior population is recommended as a goal, considering the benefits of influenza vaccination in the elderly (2). Furthermore, an increase in vaccination might reduce morbidity and prevent further complications from influenza, while providing more effective herd immunity, and rationalizing costs to the public health system (12).…”

Preventing or reversing immunosenescence: can exercise be an immunotherapy?

“…Each year, the influenza virus infection is responsible for high morbidity and mortality rates in the elderly population [122]. Although vaccination is the best preventive action, as stated earlier, the capacity to respond to immunizations is compromised in the elderly because of changes related to the humoral arm of the adaptive immune system.…”