A review of policies and coverage of seasonal influenza vaccination programs in the WHO Eastern Mediterranean Region.

Abstract

Although there has been an effective seasonal influenza vaccine available for more than 60 years, influenza continues to circulate and cause illness. The Eastern Mediterranean Region (EMR) is very diverse in health systems capacities, capabilities, and efficiencies, which affect the performance of services, especially vaccination, including seasonal influenza vaccination. The aim of this study is to provide a comprehensive overview on country-specific influenza vaccination policies, vaccine delivery, and coverage in EMR. We have analyzed data from a regional seasonal influenza survey conducted in 2022, Joint Reporting Form (JRF), and verified their validity by the focal points. We also compared our results with those of the regional seasonal influenza survey conducted in 2016. Fourteen countries (64%) had reported having a national seasonal influenza vaccine policy. About (44%) countries recommended influenza vaccine for all SAGE recommended target groups. Up to 69% of countries reported that COVID-19 had an impact on influenza vaccine supply in the country, with most of them (82%) reporting increases in procurement due to COVID-19. The situation of seasonal influenza vaccination in EMR is varied, with some countries having well established programs while others having no policy or program; these variances may be due to resources inequity, political, and socioeconomic dissimilarities. Few countries have reported wide vaccination coverage over time with no clear trend of improvement. We suggest supporting countries to develop a roadmap for influenza vaccine uptake and utilization, assessment of barriers, and burden of influenza, including measuring the economic burden to enhance vaccine acceptance.