Influenza vaccine coverage among people aged 60-64 dropped by 2.5% from the previous year

According to the report “Gravity Meter: Vaccination Coverage Season 2023-2024” promoted by Sanofi, influenza vaccine coverage among people aged 60-64 years decreased by 2.5% this quarter compared with last year. Despite the expansion of vaccination recommendations to all autonomous regions over the age of 60 and the recognition of this age group as a risk group, the coverage rate for this group is still 34.7%. One of the key factors in understanding the low coverage in this segment is low awareness of the risks associated with influenza infection, which is also highlighted in the Grip Strength Meter data. Professor Raúl Ortiz de Lejarazu Leonardo, Honorary Director and Consultant, warns: “The decline in vaccination rates in this group portends future trends for those over 65 years of age and therefore needs to be corrected as soon as possible.” National Influenza Center in Valladolid (GISRS/WHO- WHO). Among the population aged 18 to 59, which mainly consists of the working-age population, the coverage rate dropped the smallest, to 11.6%, which was only one-tenth lower than the previous year. “This is because historically this population has had the lowest vaccination rates. Therefore, when percentages reflect the lowest vaccination levels, one can expect vaccination rates to increase rather than decrease,” the expert said. However, he warned that strengthening referrals was also “vital” in this group, which has the highest absolute numbers of people with conditions such as obesity, high blood pressure, diabetes and asthma. Additionally, some people live with vulnerable groups. Vaccination rates for over-65s have fallen significantly in most autonomous regions, ranging from 1.1% to 8%, with Spain’s average estimate down 3 percentage points from last year. This group requires greater vaccination coverage because they are the most vulnerable and include a high proportion of individuals with underlying conditions (cardiovascular, pulmonary, hypertension, diabetes, etc.). “The result is severe cases that require the use of critical health services such as emergency medical services, hospitals and intensive care unit beds, which severely overloads the health system as they often result in prolonged hospitalization,” he noted. The population under 5 years old this year It is the first time that all autonomous regions provide influenza vaccination for children aged 6 months to 5 years old. Galicia, Murcia and Andalusia were the pioneers in offering vaccinations to this group last season and are the teams with the best results this season, surpassing their own figures achieved in 2022-23. “The CCAA, which started last year, has better data than other institutions, which shows an optimistic message for the future, because when the experience (expertise) factor is examined in Galicia, Murcia and Andalusia, the three who were vaccinated last year Named CCAA, the proportion in other autonomous regions is likely to increase,” he believes. Childhood influenza vaccination not only directly protects children from hospital admissions, but also plays a fundamental role in stopping the spread of the virus among other populations. “So as the collateral benefits of childhood vaccinations become better understood, coverage is expected to increase,” he said. As a result, experts note, it’s important to get the message across that the flu vaccine “is not designed to prevent illnesses that can be treated at home.” Mild or moderate cases, but aimed at preventing severe cases that could lead to hospitalization, admission to an intensive care unit, mechanical ventilation or even death. He also pointed out that the vaccine paradigm must be considered, which does not guarantee 100% effectiveness, making it even more important to expand vaccination to as many people as possible. “The greater the proportion of the population that is vaccinated, the harder it will be for the virus to cause serious or fatal cases throughout the community, and the burden on hospitals from influenza will be reduced, avoiding the impact on health care in other areas of emergency illness,” he said. pointed out.