SURVEY ON THE INCIDENCE OF FLU-LIKE ILLNESS AND ACCEPTABILITY OF INFLUENZA VACCINATION IN THE PAEDIATRIC PRIMARY-CARE

Key words: Flu-like illness, Influenza vaccination

We conducted an observational study, whose aims were: 1) to evaluate the acceptability of influenza vaccination targeting children from 6 months to 5 years of age; 2) to estimate the incidence on flu-like illness (FLI) and the frequency of flu-like syndrome’s complications; 3) to collect information on prescriptions of drugs reimbursed by the National Health System, and their cost. Seventeen primary-care paediatricians took part in the study; they followed a total of 14,371 children, including 6,975 children from 6 months to 5 years of age. Paediatricians collected the data through a medical record software. Vaccinations were administered between 15 September and 15 November 2003, while FLI surveillance was conducted from 1 January to 16 April 2004. Vaccination was offered to 60% of children in this age-group; vaccination coverage was 36%, being lowest in youngest children (6-23 months; 30%), and highest in the 24-35 month old children (37%). Overall, FLI incidence was estimated at 66/1,000 children. The complication rate was 28%, and decreased by age. Either FLI incidence and complication rate did not differ by vaccination status. Antibiotics were prescribed in 35% of all FLI cases, and in 63% of cases with complications.