Vaccination antigrippale chez les professionnels de santé : état des lieux et enjeux

Different strategies for management of influenza epidemics are of particular importance for elderly population. High morbidity and mortality rates are associated with influenza in the elderly population and annual immunization with influenza vaccine is considered as the best cost effective strategy. However, the antibody response to vaccine is lower in the elderly than in young adult and only half of individuals exhibits a significant antibody response. The decrease of circulating viral load is theoretical. A study showed an efficiency of Health care worker vaccination to decrease mortality rate in Nursing home residents. Therefore National and international recommendations promote Health care worker vaccinations for up to 5 years. However, influenza vaccination coverages are still low. This article summarizes goals and knowledges concerning this public health issue. Several interventional programs are efficient but still need high financial and human support that only a political good-will can improve.