School-based influenza vaccine delivery, vaccination rates, and healthcare use in the context of a universal influenza immunization program: an ecological study

Vaccine. 2010 Mar 24;28(15):2722-9. doi: 10.1016/j.vaccine.2010.01.024. Epub 2010 Jan 26.

Abstract

Influenza vaccines are universally funded in Ontario, Canada. Some public health units (PHUs) vaccinate children in schools. We examined the impact of school-based delivery on vaccination rates and healthcare use of the entire population over seven influenza seasons (2000-2007) using population-based survey and health administrative data. School-based vaccination was associated with higher vaccination rates in school-age children only. Doctors' office visits were lower for PHUs with school-based vaccination for children aged 12-19 but not for other age groups. Emergency department use and hospitalizations were similar between the two groups. In the context of universal influenza vaccination, school-based delivery is associated with higher vaccination rates and modest reductions in healthcare use in school-age children.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Adult
  • Aged
  • Aged, 80 and over
  • Child
  • Child, Preschool
  • Female
  • Health Facilities / statistics & numerical data
  • Health Services Research
  • Humans
  • Immunization Programs / organization & administration*
  • Infant
  • Infant, Newborn
  • Influenza Vaccines / administration & dosage*
  • Influenza Vaccines / immunology*
  • Influenza, Human / epidemiology*
  • Influenza, Human / prevention & control*
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Ontario
  • Schools
  • Vaccination / statistics & numerical data*
  • Young Adult

Substances

  • Influenza Vaccines