[Vaccination against influenza--why, for whom and with which vaccine?]

Abstract

Every year, 5-10% of Norwegians become sick from influenza. Some groups, such as the elderly and the seriously ill, are at greater risk of contracting a serious form of influenza leading to complications and death. Annual influenza vaccination in such groups reduces the risk for pneumonia, hospitalisation and death. Vaccination of health care workers reduces the mortality rate among patients during the winter season. In Norway, around 900,000 persons belong to a group at risk and should be offered vaccination. In the winter of 2005/06, about 45% of these groups were vaccinated; the aim is 75% by 2010. Whether people get vaccinated or not depends much on their self-perceived need of vaccination. Health care workers play an important role in raising awareness of and spreading information about influenza and vaccination. Sending personal invitations and arranging mass vaccination days are effective in increasing the rate of vaccination.