Efficacy of influenza immunisation programmes: Comparison of two European systems in one practice

Abstract

In many European countries, influenza vaccination is recommended for the elderly (over 65 years) and high-risk groups, and administered by general practitioners. We have studied the variations in rates of uptake in a group practice located in Belgium which also deals with patients from the Netherlands. Comparing immunisation rates for the two parts of the population allowed us to compare the effects of the two different systems for the administration and reimbursement of vaccinations. 75.2% (n=407) of the eligible Dutch patients were immunised versus 64.3% (n=364) of the Belgian patients. For patients over 65 years the corresponding rates were 77.5% (n=244) versus 62% (n=245). Attendance at a special flu immunisation clinic was also higher among Dutch (71.2%) than Belgian (54.7%) patients. Programmatic differences between the Dutch and Belgian systems for flu vaccination are likely to account for these findings.