Cobertura da vacina anti-influenza em idosos de municípios do estado do Rio Grande do Sul: 2007-2012

Abstract

Influenza is an acute infectious disease and can be prevented to vaccination, which is recommended especially in susceptible groups, such as the elderly. Objectives: To evaluate the anti-influenza vaccination in the elderly population, in the state of Rio Grande do Sul, in the period 2007-2012. Methods: Were used official sources of information on immunization to obtain data (Information System of the National Program of vaccination). Coverage rates were calculated based on the total dose applied in relation to the total number of elderly residents in each municipality. Furthermore, we tried to correlate vaccination coverage with socioeconomic and health indicators. Results: Municipalities of Rio Grande do Sul had an increase of 63% in coverage of influenza vaccine during the study period, with 56.1% in 2007 and 86.5% in 2012. There was not a strong association between vaccination coverage and socioeconomic indicators in municipalities studied. Conclusions: Despite the significant increase in immunization coverage, the state of Rio Grande do Sul is still below the established target of anti-influenza vaccination coverage, requiring better government campaigns and information of health professionals.