OBJECTIVES

Currently available information on influenza vaccination rates for Germany is limited since published evidence does not include a detailed breakdown by age and/or risk status. The aim of our study was to estimate the age-specific seasonal influenza vaccine uptake for people with underlying chronic conditions and a healthy population in Germany.

METHODS

We used health insurance claims data of a large German statutory sickness fund to estimate influenza vaccination coverage rates covering eight seasons (2010-2011 to 2017-2018). The population was divided into nine age groups (1-9, 10-19, 20-29, 30-39, 40-49, 50-59, 60-69, 70-79, ≥80 years) with an additional split by risk regarding underlying chronic diseases. Selected ICD-10 diagnosis codes documented in outpatient and inpatient treatment settings were used to identify people with chronic conditions, including chronic respiratory and circulatory diseases, diabetes, chronic renal and liver diseases, and others.

RESULTS

In all age groups, influenza vaccination coverage rates in people with underlying chronic conditions were higher compared to non-chronically ill people. In the 2017-2018 season, age-specific coverage in people with chronic conditions ranged from 7% to 47%, and coverage in the healthy population ranged from 2% to 23%. The highest coverage rates were consistently found in people aged 80 years and above. Vaccination coverage rates decreased over time in all age groups. For example, in people aged ≥60 years, the overall vaccination coverage decreased from 45% in the 2010-2011 season to 35% in the 2017-2018 season.

CONCLUSIONS

Our claims data analysis revealed insufficient influenza vaccination coverage rates in people who are at high risk of suffering severe complications from influenza infection (elderly people and individuals with chronic diseases). Results suggest that intensified public health efforts are necessary to reach the WHO vaccination coverage target of 75%.