Influenza Vaccination Coverage in High-Risk Populations in Sweden
Author Information
Author(s): Kroneman Madelon W, van Essen Gerrit A
Primary Institution: NIVEL, Netherlands Institute of Health Services Research
Hypothesis
Did influenza vaccination coverage rates increase among high-risk populations in Sweden between the 2003/4 and 2004/5 seasons?
Conclusion
Sweden remained below the WHO-recommendations for vaccination coverage among high-risk populations, indicating a need for further action to increase vaccine uptake.
Supporting Evidence
- Personal invitations significantly increased the likelihood of vaccination.
- Vaccination coverage rates did not differ significantly between the two seasons.
- Misconceptions about influenza vaccination were common among those who did not get vaccinated.
- Older age and being female were associated with higher vaccination rates.
- Counties with fewer health care professionals involved in vaccination had higher vaccination rates.
Takeaway
The study looked at how many people at risk for flu got vaccinated in Sweden and found that not many more people got vaccinated from one year to the next.
Methodology
A population survey was conducted by interviewing 2500 respondents each season about their vaccination status and chronic conditions.
Potential Biases
Self-reported data may lead to over-reporting or under-reporting of vaccination status.
Limitations
Data on vaccination uptake and chronic conditions were self-reported, which may lead to inaccuracies, and the sample size per county was small, resulting in large confidence intervals.
Participant Demographics
Respondents were aged between 15 and 74 years, with a focus on high-risk groups including the elderly and those with chronic conditions.
Statistical Information
Confidence Interval
95% CI for vaccination rates reported
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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