The Vacinometro (R) initiative: an eleven-year monitorization of influenza vaccination coverage rates among risk groups in Portugal

• Type: Article in National Scientific Journal
• Date: 2022

Authors

Froes, F (Author) Other; Morais, A (Author) Other; Hespanhol V (Author) FMUP; Nogueira, R (Author) Other; Carlos, JS (Author) Other; Jacinto, N (Author) Other; Martins, M (Author) Other; Gomes, C (Author) Other; Cordeiro, CR (Author) Other

Journal

Title: Pulmonology

ISSN: 2531-0429

Publisher: Taylor & Francis

Indexing

ISI Web of Knowledge - 1 Citation

Scopus

Other information

Authenticus ID: P-00W-FMV

DOI: 10.1016/j.pulmoe.2022.03.005

Abstract (EN): Annual vaccination is fundamental for individual and group protection against sea-sonal influenza infection. International and Portuguese healthcare organizations have estab-lished influenza vaccination coverage rate (VCR) targets for risk groups, namely 75% in people >= 65 years old. The Vacinometro (R) initiative has been monitoring influenza VCR among target risk groups in Portugal since 2009,: Group 1, >= 65 years old; Group 2, patients with chronic condi-tions; Group 3, healthcare workers in direct contact with patients; and Group 4, 60-64 years old. Besides VCR, social-demographic and health-related variables have been evaluated. During the study period (2009/2010 - 2019/2020), the VCR increased in the 4 target risk groups: from 58.6% to 76.0% in Group 1 (reaching the WHO target); 33.3% to 72.0% in Group 2; 25.0% to 58.9% in Group 3; and 36.6% to 42.8% in Group 4. Physician recommendation was the main driver for vaccination whereas lack of habit was the main barrier to vaccination. Vacinometro (R) data demonstrate that free-of-charge vaccination has a positive impact on VCR. The observed posi-tive trends in influenza VCR demonstrate that public health measures implemented in Portugal to facilitate access to influenza vaccine result in increased vaccine uptake. Strategies to pro-mote population literacy and the physician's awareness should be continued and reinforced. Free-of-charge vaccination criteria extended to more risk groups would also contribute to higher influenza VCR in Portugal. (c) 2022 Sociedade Portuguesa de Pneumologia. Published by Elsevier Espana, S.L.U.

Language: English

Type (Professor's evaluation): Scientific

No. of pages: 4