Influence of new tools to increase the rate of influenza vaccination in patients considered at risk during the campaigns of 2019, 2020 and 2021

Introduction

Influenza infection is a significant public health issue that causes substantial morbidity and mortality in the population every year. Vaccination is the most effective measure for its prevention. The aim of this study is to analyse the influence of automated letters as a patient recruitment method after their discontinuation in a population where they were previously used, comparing it with the population of another healthcare centre with similar characteristics that has never employed this method.

Materials and methods

An observational and retrospective study was conducted, analysing the influenza vaccination coverage among the at-risk population in 2 healthcare centres with very similar population characteristics during 3 vaccination campaigns (2019, 2020, and 2021). Both descriptive and analytical studies were carried out.

Results

Vaccination rates in the centre that actively recruited patients while the letter sending was still in effect were 46.4% in 2019 and 61% in 2020, decreasing to 25.8% in 2021 after its withdrawal (p < .001). Influenza vaccination was significantly higher during the 3 campaigns at the health centre that used the letter. The groups in which vaccination rates decreased most significantly were those aged 65 and older and those with heart disease.

Conclusions

The implementation of automated letters has proven to be particularly effective among patients considered at risk.