OBJECTIVE:
to describe the time trend of hospitalizations owing to influenza-related causes and to assess the impact of vaccination among the Brazilian population aged >60 years between 1992 and 2006.
METHODS:
ecological and observational study using data from the Brazilian National Hospitalization Information System (SIH/SUS). Trend analysis of hospital morbidity rates was performed using polynomial regression models.
RESULTS:
in Brazil hospital morbidity rates from these causes in the population aged >60 decreased on average by 0.75/1,000 elderly/year (p<0,0001). Hospital morbidity rates were seen to reduce between May and August following the introduction of influenza vaccination campaigns in most regions of Brazil. However, in the northern region the study showed no reduction in hospital morbidity rates.
CONCLUSION:
there is evidence that influenza vaccination has contributed to the prevention of hospitalizations for influenza-related causes in Brazil, except in the northern region.
Influenza, Human; Influenza Vaccines; Hospitalization; Vaccination; Aged
