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

The subtyped influenza A. [15] Since 2014, the Brazilian Ministry of Health included children up to 4 years of age in the group of individuals at risk of severe influenza and, thus, started vaccination of this subpopulation. Data from the National Immunization Program show coverage rates above 83% among young children and pregnant women, 89% in the elderly, and 95% in health workers. [10, 14] However, in this study, a much 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. [10] 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.