Anti-epidemic activities to prevent pneumococcal infections in flooded areas of the Amur region

Abstract

The aim of this study was to analyze CAP epidemiology and morbidity in the Amur region, to evaluate anti-epidemic measures for prevention of pneumococcal infections in flooded areas and medical and socioeconomic benefits of vaccination of children with risk factors for pneumococcal disease. Material and methods. Common morbidity of pneumonia was analyzed in the Amur region. To evaluate clinical and epidemiological efficacy of pneumococcal vaccination with PCV13 in 2014–2017, 5,000 children aged 2 to 5 yrs with high risk of pneumococcal infection were involved into a special follow-up programme. Clinical, epidemiological, social, hygienic, economic and statistical analyses were used. Results. The total incidence of pneumonia in population of the Amur region reached the peak value (897.3 per 100,000) in 2009; this was associated with influenza pandemic. CAP incidence decreased by 43.8% in 2010–2014. Morbidity of CAP had certain age-related and seasonal differences and was closely related to morbidity of acute respiratory viral infection. Results of microbiological monitoring of CAP pathogens in the Amur region were also discussed. Morbidity of pneumonia and acute respiratory infections decreased in 2014 in 69.4% of children vaccinated with PCV13. Morbidity of CAP reduced by 2,014 cases in 2014 that prevented economic loss of 94 billion RUB. Conclusion. Clinical and economic monitoring of CAP and pneumococcal vaccination with PCV13 in the Amur region have significant medical and socioeconomic efficacy.