Otolaryngology: Open Access
Open Access

Abstract

Background: Influenza is an important clinical, epidemiological and economical problem. Vaccinations are the best tool to prevent infectious diseases. The aim of the study was to estimate influenza vaccine coverage among children and adolescents before planned adenotonsillectomy or adenotomy. Material & Methods: The prospective analysis of medical documentation of 300 children aged 1-17 years hospitalized in a single laryngological ward in Warsaw was conducted. Children were hospitalized before planned adenotomy (32%) or adenotonsilectomy (68%). The proportion of vaccinated against influenza children was calculated. Results: The influenza vaccine coverage among study population was 4.3% (only 13 children were vaccinated). The coverage rate ranged from 2.11% to 7.3% among different age groups. 8 (61.5%) of vaccinated children were aged between 5-8 years, 3 (23%) were aged 1-5 years, 2 (15%) were aged 9-17 years. Influenza vaccination was repeated every season in 8 (61.5%) of patients while 38.5% of children were vaccinated only during the current season. Most of children (69%) were vaccinated with a split type vaccine, 31% with a subunit vaccine. Only 26% of children young than 9 years, who required a second dose of vaccination, realized properly the schedule. Conclusions: Influenza vaccine coverage among children before adenotomy or adenotonsillectomy was low. More education activities dedicated both to parents and medical staffs are required to provide the increased awareness and influenza vaccine coverage in children and adolescents.

Biography

Aneta Nitsch-Osuch, MD, PhD, Assoc. Prof. is a specialist in pediatrics and epidemiology working at the Department of Family Medicine, Warsaw Medical University, Senior Consultant and the Head of infection control team at the St. Family Hospital in Warsaw. He/She is a member of the Polish Family Medicine Society, Polish Society of Pediatricians, Polish Society of Epidemiologists, Central Eastern European Awareness Group. He/She is an author of over 150 scientific publications in the field of epidemiology, vaccinology and pediatrics.