Influenza and pneumococcal vaccination in Australian adults: a systematic review of coverage and factors associated with uptake

Bette Liu,John M. Kaldor,Amalie Dyda,Surendra Karki,C. Raina MacIntyre,Robert Menzies,Andrew Hayen,Emily Banks

doi:10.1186/s12879-016-1820-8

Bette Liu, John M. Kaldor + Show 6 more

Open Access

https://doi.org/10.1186/s12879-016-1820-8

Copy DOI

Abstract

BackgroundIn the absence of an adult vaccination register, coverage estimates for influenza and pneumococcal vaccination come from surveys and other data sources.MethodsSystematic review and meta-analysis of studies examining vaccination coverage in Australian adults from 1990 to 2015, focusing on groups funded under the National Immunisation Program, and intervals prior to and following the introduction of universal funding.ResultsTwenty-two studies met the inclusion criteria; 18 used self-report to determine vaccination status. There were 130 unique estimates of coverage extracted. Among adults aged ≥65y, during the period of universal funding (1999-onwards), the summary estimate of annual influenza vaccination coverage from 27 point estimates was 74.8 % (95 % CI 73.4–76.2 %; range 63.9–82.4 %); prior to this period (1992–1998) from 10 point estimates it was 61.3 % (95 % CI 58.0–64.6 %; range 44.3–71.3 %). For the period of universal funding for pneumococcal vaccination (2005-onwards) the summary estimate for coverage was 56.0 % (95 % CI 53.2–58.8 %; range 51.2–72.8 %, 10 point estimates); prior to 2005 it was 35.4 % (95 % CI 18.8–52.0 %; range 15.4–45.2 %). Coverage for both vaccines was significantly higher following the introduction of universal funding. Influenza vaccination coverage in those aged 18–65 years with a medical indication was lower but data were not combined. Seven studies reported on Aboriginal Australians with three studies reporting five coverage estimates for influenza vaccination in adults ≥65 years (range 71 % - 89 %).ConclusionsAdult influenza and pneumococcal vaccination coverage has increased since the introduction of universal funding, but remains sub-optimal, with pneumococcal coverage lower than influenza. Implications: This review highlights the need for more coverage data overall and in high risk groups, to support public health programs to improve coverage.

Highlights

In the absence of an adult vaccination register, coverage estimates for influenza and pneumococcal vaccination come from surveys and other data sources
While childhood vaccination coverage can be monitored by the Australian Childhood Immunisation Register [5] and the recently established human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccination program register collects comprehensive data on HPV vaccine provided to adolescents [6], at the time of publication of this review, no national register to document vaccination of older adults existed, some states have adult registers
We conducted a systematic search and analysis of the available evidence to quantify levels of influenza and pneumococcal vaccination coverage reported in adults in Australia, the methods used to measure coverage in these studies, and whether studies reported on other factors associated with influenza and pneumococcal vaccination, such as Aboriginality or medical indications

Summary

Introduction

In the absence of an adult vaccination register, coverage estimates for influenza and pneumococcal vaccination come from surveys and other data sources. In Australia, vaccines are funded nationally for children and adults under the Australian National Immunisation Program (NIP), as well being available privately. While childhood vaccination coverage can be monitored by the Australian Childhood Immunisation Register [5] and the recently established human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccination program register collects comprehensive data on HPV vaccine provided to adolescents [6], at the time of publication of this review, no national register to document vaccination of older adults existed, some states have adult registers. We conducted a systematic search and analysis of the available evidence to quantify levels of influenza and pneumococcal vaccination coverage reported in adults in Australia, the methods used to measure coverage in these studies, and whether studies reported on other factors associated with influenza and pneumococcal vaccination, such as Aboriginality or medical indications

Methods

Results

Discussion

Conclusion