The Link between Seasonal Influenza and NCDs: Strategies for Improving Vaccination Coverage

Abstract

Seasonal influenza is a major public health problem globally, causing significant morbidity and mortality, especially in high-risk groups. Children and adults with underlying chronic non-communicable diseases (NCDs) are especially vulnerable to complications, hospitalizations and even death from the infection. However, the link between NCDs and influenza is frequently underestimated. Vaccination against influenza is the single most effective way to reduce this vulnerability in people living with NCDs. Irrespective vaccination rates in this group fall short of the WHO recommended target of 75%. This paper explores the relationship between seasonal influenza and NCDs and proposes strategies for increasing vaccination coverage among the target groups.

Challenges and opportunities to provide immunization services: Analysis of data from a cross‐sectional study on a sample of pharmacists in a developing country

“…[22][23][24]32 In fact, challenges relating to the vaccination systems and processes have been globally addressed. Recommendations to overcome such barriers focus on enhancing the vaccination infrastructure, 34 upgrading legislation and vaccination policies, 35 obtaining political commitment to enhance vaccine regulation, 36 implementing fair reimbursement systems, 37 and enhancing and strengthening vaccination surveillance systems. 35,38,39 Over half of the pharmacists perceive themselves completely recognized as immunizer by patients.…”

“…Recommendations to overcome such barriers focus on enhancing the vaccination infrastructure, 34 upgrading legislation and vaccination policies, 35 obtaining political commitment to enhance vaccine regulation, 36 implementing fair reimbursement systems, 37 and enhancing and strengthening vaccination surveillance systems. 35,38,39 Over half of the pharmacists perceive themselves completely recognized as immunizer by patients. This is justified by the high frequency of educational activities that Lebanese pharmacists offer to the public around immunization.…”

Influenza vaccination in patients with end-stage renal disease

“…Patients with ESRD are considered at higher risk of influenza-related complications and are worldwide included in the list of subjects for whom yearly influenza vaccination is strongly recommended [13]. However, as frequently occurs in subjects at increased risk of influenza-related complications [14], influenza vaccination coverage of patients with ESRD is significantly lower than desired. Official US data indicate that despite having slowly improved over the past decade, in the last 3 years, the vaccination rates of subjects with ESRD remained~65%, without any further incremental increase [15].…”