Global Influenza Hospital-based Surveillance Network (GIHSN): results of surveillance of influenza and other respiratory viruses in hospitalised patients in Brazil, 2015

Raboni, Sonia M; Moura, Fernanda EA; Caetano, Braulia C; Avanzi, Valéria M; Pereira, Luciane A; Nogueira, Meri B; Vidal, Luine R; Tavares, Isabel CF; Pradel, Florence K; Picot, Valentina S; Puig-Barbera, Joan; Siqueira, Marilda M

However, overall a lower coverage was observed, with only 21% of patients reporting or showing proof of influenza vaccination. This was surprising, considering that a significant part of our patients fell in at least one risk category or presented comorbidities. Given a 10.5% mortality rate due to influenza)related SARI cases in 2015, it is essential to assess the reasons for such low immunization frequency. Among influenza deaths, 65% of patients and particularly those aged over 60 presented at least one risk factor likely to cause complications. [13] Our data emphasize the need for a comprehensive identification of the weaknesses of the vaccination campaigns and an intensification of the efforts to bring immunization to these individuals.