The effect of universal influenza immunization on antibiotic prescriptions: An ecological study

Abstract

The Canadian province of Ontario introduced universal influenza immunization in 2000, offering free vaccines to the entire population. We compared changes in rates of influenza-associated respiratory antibiotic prescriptions before and after universal immunization in Ontario with corresponding changes in other provinces. Universal influenza immunization is associated with reduced influenza-associated antibiotic prescriptions. © 2009 by the Infectious Diseases Society of America. All rights reserved.