Seasonal and pandemic influenza vaccine: recommendations to families of at-risk children during the 2009-10 season

Eur J Public Health. 2012 Dec;22(6):821-4. doi: 10.1093/eurpub/cks005. Epub 2012 Feb 7.

Abstract

We performed a study in three Italian regions to evaluate the association between provided recommendations and immunization uptake of the two influenza vaccines in children with chronic diseases. We interviewed families of 119 at-risk children, collecting information regarding recommendations and immunizations against pandemic and seasonal influenza. In total 60.5% of children had received seasonal influenza vaccine, 38.7% had received pandemic influenza vaccine and 33.6% had not been vaccinated. The majority of immunized children had received specific recommendations by a physician. Physicians involved in the management of children with chronic diseases should actively recommend influenza immunization.

Publication types

  • Evaluation Study
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Child
  • Child, Preschool
  • Female
  • Follow-Up Studies
  • Humans
  • Immunization / statistics & numerical data
  • Influenza A Virus, H1N1 Subtype / immunology*
  • Influenza Vaccines / administration & dosage*
  • Influenza Vaccines / immunology
  • Influenza, Human / epidemiology*
  • Influenza, Human / prevention & control*
  • Influenza, Human / virology
  • Interviews as Topic
  • Italy / epidemiology
  • Pandemics*
  • Patient Acceptance of Health Care / statistics & numerical data*
  • Risk Factors
  • Seasons
  • Surveys and Questionnaires
  • Vaccination / statistics & numerical data

Substances

  • Influenza Vaccines