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Epidemiology and prevention of influenza in children in Argentina and Brazil

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Date
2017-03
Author
Argentinean and Brazilian Influenza Vaccine Working Group
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Abstract
A group of influenza experts from Argentina and Brazil got together to discuss the burden of influenza in children, review current vaccine coverage rates in both countries, analyze vaccine effectiveness, and discuss strategies to improve prevention. Active surveillance of respiratory viruses is carried out nationwide in both countries. Years 2014 and 2015 were mild influenza seasons; influenza virus type A/H3N2 prevailed, whereas type B represented less than 30% of isolates. Trivalent inactivated influenza vaccine is included in National Immunization Programs for 1) children 6 months to 2 years old in Argentina; 2) children 6 months to 5 years old in Brazil; and 3) all high-risk individuals. Coverage rates in both countries were about 80% (albeit lower for the second dose). Experts from both countries proposed the following strategies to improve prevention: 1) increase surveillance; 2) assess effectiveness and long-term safety of influenza vaccines; 3) reinforce vaccination programs in order to increase coverage rates; and 4) consider introducing more effective vaccines, such as adjuvanted trivalent vaccines. In Argentina, estimating casefatality rates was also recommended. Other proposed actions included enhancing education of health professionals and the lay community, and better use of communication resources to raise awareness of the burden of influenza and promote vaccine uptake.
 
Um grupo de especialistas em influenza da Argentina e do Brasil reuniu- se para discutir o ônus da influenza em crianças, analisar os índices de cobertura vacinal nos dois países, analisar a efetividade das vacinas e discutir estratégias para melhorar a prevenção. A vigilância ativa de vírus respiratórios é realizada em âmbito nacional em ambos os países. Nos anos 2014 e 2015, as temporadas de gripe foram leves; o tipo A/H3N2 do vírus da influenza prevaleceu, enquanto que o tipo B representou menos de 30% dos isolados. A vacina trivalente inativada contra a influenza está incluída nos programas nacionais de vacinação para 1) crianças de 6 meses a 2 anos de idade na Argentina; 2) crianças de 6 meses a 5 anos de idade no Brasil; e 3) todos os indivíduos de alto risco. As taxas de cobertura em ambos os países foram de aproximadamente 80% (porém menores para a segunda dose). Os especialistas de ambos os países propuseram as seguintes estratégias para melhorar a prevenção: 1) aumentar a vigilância; 2) avaliar a efetividade e segurança a longo prazo das vacinas contra a influenza; 3) reforçar os programas de vacinação para aumentar as taxas de cobertura; e 4) considerar a possibilidade de introduzir vacinas mais eficazes, como as vacinas tríplices com adjuvante. Recomendou-se também calcular as taxas de letalidade na Argentina. Outras ações propostas incluíram melhorar a capacitação dos profissionais da saúde e da comunidade leiga e melhorar o uso de recursos em comunicação para aumentar a conscientização sobre o ônus da influenza e promover a vacinação.
 
Expertos en influenza de Argentina y Brasil reunidos en un grupo de trabajo evaluaron la carga de enfermedad de influenza en niños, analizaron las coberturas vacunales, la efectividad de las vacunas y discutieron estrategias para mejorar la prevención. En ambos países se realiza vigilancia de virus respiratorios en todo el territorio. Las últimas temporadas de gripe fueron leves, con predominio de influenza A H3N2, influenza B representó menos del 30% de los aislamientos (con co-circulación de ambos linajes). La vacuna de influenza inactivada trivalente está incluida en el Programa Nacional de Inmunizaciones en niños entre 6 meses-2 años en Argentina y hasta los 5 años en Brasil, y en niños mayores con factores de riesgo. Las coberturas alcanzan 80% (menor para la segunda dosis). Las estrategias propuestas incluyen incrementar la vigilancia de la enfermedad y estimar la tasa de letalidad (Argentina), realizar vigilancia de efectividad y seguridad de las vacunas, fortalecer los programas para aumentar las coberturas y considerar incorporar nuevas vacunas más eficaces. También se discutieron acciones de educación, tanto en la comunidad como en los trabajadores de la salud, y de comunicación para concientizar sobre el impacto de influenza en la población y la importancia de su prevención.
 
Translated title
Epidemiologia e prevenção da influenza em crianças na Argentina e no Brasil
 
Epidemiología y prevención de la gripe en niños en Argentina y Brasil
 
Series
Rev Panam Salud Publica;41, mar. 2017
Subject
Orthomyxoviridae; Pediatrics; Influenza Vaccines; Argentina; Pediatria; Vacinas contra Influenza
Category of PAHO Strategic Plan 2014-2019
Cat 1. Communicable Diseases; Cat 3. Determinants of Health and Promoting Health throughout the Life Course
URI
https://iris.paho.org/handle/10665.2/34053
Citation
Argentinean and Brazilian Influenza Vaccine Working Group. Epidemiology and prevention of influenza in children in Argentina and Brazil: report of a roundtable meeting. Rev Panam Salud Publica. 2017;41:e76.
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  • Pan American Journal of Public Health

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