Population and risk group uptake of H1N1 influenza vaccine in mainland France 2009–2010: Results of a national vaccination campaign

• DOI: 10.1016/j.vaccine.2010.09.096
• Publication Date: 2010-10-11T10:47:22Z
• Authors: Angie Bone; Jean-Paul Guthmann; Javier Nicolau; Daniel Lévy-Bruhl
• Keywords: Adult; Aged, 80 and over; Male; Adolescent; Vaccination; Infant; Middle Aged; Risk Assessment; 3. Good health; Young Adult; 03 medical and health sciences; Influenza A Virus, H1N1 Subtype; 0302 clinical medicine; Influenza Vaccines; Pregnancy; Child, Preschool; Influenza, Human; Humans; Female; France; Child; Aged

A mass vaccination campaign against influenza A/H1N1 was launched in France in October 2009. Vaccination was offered free of charge to the entire population according to a pre-defined order of priority. Demographic data and data on vaccinations given were recorded in a dedicated database. We analysed vaccine uptake by age, sex and region in the overall population and in certain risk groups, including pregnant women. Overall vaccine uptake was 8% and varied by age-group and sex. Vaccine uptake in pregnant women was 22.7%. These low uptakes may reflect controversies around the vaccine and vaccination policy and have important implications for future pandemic vaccination strategies.