Flu vaccination coverage in the Hospital Italiano de Buenos Aires: cross-sectional study

Introduction: Influenza represents a global public health challenge. Influenza vaccination is crucial for preventing complications. The World Health Organization recommends a coverage rate of at least 75% for the at-risk population. The aim of this study was to evaluate vaccination coverage among members of the Health Plan of the Hospital Italiano de Buenos Aires. Materials and methods: Cross-sectional study nested within a dynamic cohort. All members of the Health Plan during the influenza vaccination campaigns of 2022 and 2023 were included. The influenza vaccination rate was calculated and reported as a percentage with its respective 95% confidence interval (CI95%). Demographic variables and comorbidities were analyzed. Results: The influenza vaccination rate was 12% in 2022 and 10% in 2023. Subjects aged between 6 and 23 months had the highest vaccination rates in both periods, at 43% (CI95% 41-46) in 2022 and 48% (CI95% 45-51) in 2023, followed by the population over 65 years old with a rate of 23% (CI95% 23-24) in 2022 and 18% (CI95% 18-19) in 2023. The most common comorbidities were hypertension and dyslipidemia. Discussion: Influenza vaccination coverage in our population fell below the recommendations of the World Health Organization, highlighting the presence of barriers to influenza immunization.