Influenza illness averted by influenza vaccination among school year children in Beijing, 2013-2016.

ABSTRACT: BACKGROUND:The benefit of school-based influenza vaccination policy has not been fully addressed in Beijing. OBJECTIVES:To evaluate the benefit of school-based influenza vaccination policy launched in Beijing. METHODS:Using existing surveillance and immunization data, we developed a dynamic transmission model to assess the impact of influenza vaccination in school-going children. The outcome was defined as the averted number of medically attended influenza illnesses and the prevented disease fraction to all children aged 5-14 years for the 2013/14, 2014/15, and 2015/16 seasons. RESULTS:We estimated that during the three consecutive influenza seasons, the averted number of medically attended influenza illnesses among children aged 5-14 years was around 104 000 (95% CI: 101 000-106 000), 23 000 (95% CI: 22 000-23 000), and 21 000 (95% CI: 21 000-22 000), respectively. Corresponding prevented fractions to all children aged 5-14 years were 76.3%, 38.5%, and 43.9%. CONCLUSIONS:In Beijing, school-based vaccinations reduced a substantial number of medically attended influenza illnesses despite seasonal variation in the prevented fraction. This is strong supportive evidence for the continuation of school-based vaccination programs to reduce the influenza burden in this age group.

SUBMITTER: Zhang Y 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC6185895 | biostudies-other | 2018 Nov

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-other