Approach
The aim of the project was to analyze the influence of cantonal legal frameworks and prevention activities for influenza vaccination on the influenza vaccination rate among persons aged 60 to 85 years—with and without noncommunicable chronic diseases (NCDs). The study was conducted in collaboration with the Institute of Epidemiology, Biostatistics and Prevention at the University of Zurich (EBPI). Cantonal legal foundations and activities to promote influenza vaccination among persons with NCDs were surveyed. Based on this, five cantons were selected according to defined criteria for the population-level survey. In the selected cantons, 25,000 questionnaires were sent to randomly selected individuals aged 60 to 85 years insured with Concordia and Swica. The voluntary, anonymous survey collected demographic information, influenza vaccination status, and attitudes toward influenza vaccination. This study received a declaration of non-jurisdiction from the Ethics Committee of Zurich.
Findings
The results confirmed the literature that approximately 50% of persons over 60 years of age suffer from at least one noncommunicable chronic disease. The influenza vaccination rate in this age group was approximately 36% overall, with persons with NCDs showing a slightly higher vaccination rate than persons without chronic diseases. The analysis showed an overall low vaccination coverage despite existing prevention activities and corresponding cantonal frameworks. The results underscore the importance of targeted, coordinated measures to promote influenza vaccination among older adults and particularly among persons with NCDs.
The overview of cantonal influenza vaccination activities in the 2019/20 season was published in the journal “Vaccine.” Here are the highlights:
- French- and Italian-speaking cantons conduct 1.5 times more influenza vaccination activities than German-speaking cantons.
- Most Swiss cantons allowed pharmacists to vaccinate healthy adults or adults without vaccination risk in the 2019/20 season.
- Most Swiss cantons authorize nurses to vaccinate, but only under delegation with a physician.
- Only a few Swiss cantons allowed pharmacists to vaccinate people with one or more chronic diseases.
Publications & Results
- Vaccine Journal Publication Cantonal Overview (March 2022)
- Vaccine Journal Publication Influenza Vaccination Rates Persons 60+ (October 2022)
This project was conducted by Dr. Astrid Czock in her capacity as Managing Director of QualiCCare.