Original Research
In this article the authors aim to harmonise the diagnosis of seasonal influenza and the approach of European general practitioners to vaccination in order to better identify influenza outbreaks and achieve a target vaccination rate of 75% throughout Europe.
Case Report
In 2012, the Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation recommended that the UK National Immunisation Programme for influenza be extended to include healthy children/adolescents aged 2–17 years. The extension of this new immunisation programme began in 2013–2014 and targeted children aged 2–3 years in primary care. This article describes the processes utilised in England and Scotland for programme setup, workforce management, identification and care of contraindicated patients, collection of data on vaccine uptake, communication strategies, and education of parents and children. In light of the lessons learnt from these pilot programmes, the authors make recommendations and offer practical advice to help ensure effective preparation and management of new childhood influenza vaccination programmes in other countries.
Case Report
Uptake of vaccination against seasonal influenza in healthcare
workers (HCWs) is, in general, low (vaccine coverage of 6–54%), as is awareness of its importance, and has been decreasing in most European Union (EU) countries in recent years. This article clarifies the current situation and makes suggestions for improvement.
