IFPMA IVS Influenza Vaccines - The Future of Annual Influenza Vaccination

The Future of Annual Influenza Vaccination

In the ACIP meeting of June 2006, Dr Allos made a presentation entitled “Decreasing Influenza Morbidity and Mortality through Annual Vaccination – the Next Steps”
http://www.cdc.gov/nip/ACIP/slides/jun06/flu-1-allos.pdf

Some of the data included in his presentation is shown below:

Chart showing the countries that achieve the highest influenza vaccination rates tend to be those that do not just recommend vaccination, but reimburse it as well

Options to Further Reduce the Burden of Influenza

Improve vaccination of existing target groups
- Improve public awareness
- Improve provider education and practices

Establish a universal vaccination recommendation
- Work toward universal vaccination recommendation incrementally,
  beginning with children
- Strengthen adult vaccination efforts, more generally

Critical Factors That Need to be Assessed and Addressed
Before the Recommendations Are Changed

Surveillance: Develop or enhance existing systems to assess influenza illness
Vaccine Effectiveness and Safety: Monitor vaccine safety and effectiveness
Feasibility: Assess ability to annually vaccinate school-aged children and working adults
Vaccine Supply: Assure adequate aupply exists

Potential Time-Frame for Modifying the Annual
Influenza Vaccination Recommendations

2006-2008: Assess and address critical issues
2008-2009: Consider expanding recommendation to include all school-aged children (5-18 years)
2010-2011: Expand recommendations to include household contacts and caregivers of school-aged children.
2012-2013: Recommend universal vaccination, if necessary (extend recommendations to persons 18-49 years).

Source: CDC ACIP Influenza Working Group
Link: http://www.cdc.gov/nip/ACIP/slides/jun06/flu-1-allos.pdf