Influenza Illness and Hospitalizations Averted by Influenza Vaccination in the United States, 2005-2011.

ABSTRACT:

Context

The goal of influenza vaccination programs is to reduce influenza-associated disease outcomes. Therefore, estimating the reduced burden of influenza as a result of vaccination over time and by age group would allow for a clear understanding of the value of influenza vaccines in the US, and of areas where improvements could lead to greatest benefits.

Objective

To estimate the direct effect of influenza vaccination in the US in terms of averted number of cases, medically-attended cases, and hospitalizations over six recent influenza seasons.

Design

Using existing surveillance data, we present a method for assessing the impact of influenza vaccination where impact is defined as either the number of averted outcomes or as the prevented disease fraction (the number

SUBMITTER: Kostova D 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC3686813 | biostudies-literature | 2013

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature