Analysis of Target Groups for Influenza Vaccines During the 2009 Pandemic
Author Information
Author(s): Ng Sophia, Wu Peng, Nishiura Hiroshi, Ip Dennis KM, Lee Esther ST, Cowling Benjamin J
Primary Institution: School of Public Health, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong
Hypothesis
What are the differences in national target groups for influenza vaccination before, during, and after the 2009 pandemic?
Conclusion
Countries selected different target groups for the pandemic vaccine and seasonal vaccines before and after the pandemic, highlighting substantial inconsistencies.
Supporting Evidence
- Vaccination is considered the best primary prevention measure against influenza virus infection.
- Many countries provided free vaccines or subsidies to specific target groups.
- Target groups varied significantly between countries and over time.
Takeaway
This study looked at who gets flu shots in different countries during the pandemic and found that different places have different rules about who should get vaccinated.
Methodology
The study involved a multi-step internet search of official health department websites, press releases, media sources, and academic journal articles to gather information on targeted vaccination groups.
Potential Biases
Potential bias due to reliance on official government websites and the exclusion of lower quality sources.
Limitations
Information on priority groups was not available for many countries, and online information may differ from actual implementation.
Participant Demographics
Countries included in the study were distributed across Africa, the Americas, Asia and the Pacific, and Europe.
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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