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Pediatrics: Low Uptake Of Flu Vaccine Among Toddlers In Ontario

 

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Despite a universal vaccination program that began in the year 2000, a study published today in the journal Pediatrics indicates that flu vaccination rates among young children (aged 6 mos- 23 mos) in Ontario, Canada (analyzed between 2002 and 2008) never exceeded 10%.

 

This in spite of a SARS outbreak in 2003, and a high publicized serious flu season in 2003-04. This study did not extend into the 2009-10 pandemic flu season.

 

The authors suggest that `vaccine fatigue’ among parents may be a major factor in this low uptake, but acknowledge that several other Canadian provinces are doing a better job at getting kids vaccinated.

 

With the large number vaccines recommended for young children - and unfounded fears among some parents (popularly spread in the media and online) that too many inoculations, too soon, can cause serious health problems – some doctors are having to decide which vaccines to promote to parents as being the most important.

 

First the journal article, then a link to Helen Branswell’s coverage of this story.

 

Low Rates of Influenza Immunization in Young Children Under Ontario’s Universal Influenza Immunization Program

Michael A. Campitelli, MPH, Miho Inoue, MD, MSc, Andrew J. Calzavara, MSc, Jeffrey C. Kwong, MD, MSc, and Astrid Guttmann, MDCM, MSc

Abstract

OBJECTIVES: To determine physician-administered influenza vaccine coverage for children aged 6 to 23 months in a jurisdiction with a universal influenza immunization program during 2002–2009 and to describe predictors of vaccination.

<SNIP>

CONCLUSIONS: Influenza vaccine coverage among children aged 6 to 23 months in Ontario is low, despite a universal vaccination program and high primary care visit rates. Interventions to improve coverage should target both physicians and families.

 

 

Helen Branswell of the Canadian Press has more on all of this in her article:

 

May 14, 2012 Updated: May 14, 2012 | 6:52 am

Flu shot program misses children under two in Ontario: study

 

 

While far from perfect, flu vaccines remain our best protection against influenza, seasonal or otherwise. They have an enviable safety record, and most years they provide a moderate level of protection against currently circulating flu strains (see A Comprehensive Flu Vaccine Effectiveness Meta-Analysis).

 

Unfortunately, a combination of bad press from anti-vaccine activists, memories of the ill-fated 1976 H1N1 vaccination campaign (see Deja Flu, Once Again), and the mistaken belief that influenza is a mild illness all lead to many in the public to avoid getting the flu vaccine each year.

 

Our most recent mild flu season notwithstanding, most years influenza claims tens of thousands of lives in North America, including those of hundreds of children.

 

Convincing the public of the wisdom of getting the shot every year, however, remains a difficult task. 

Related Post:

Branswell
flu
Journal Pediatrics

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