Trends in mortality from respiratory diseases among the elderly and the influenza vaccine intervention, 1980-2009.
OBJECTIVE
To evaluate mortality trends before and after the anti-influenza vaccination campaigns among the elderly in Brazil.


METHODS
This was an ecological time-series study of mortality from respiratory diseases among the elderly living in the state of São Paulo, Brazil, in 1980 - 2009. Mortality rates were calculated using death data from the Ministry of Health's Mortality Information System and population data from the Brazilian Institute of Geography and Statistics. Polynomial regression models were used to evaluate mortality trends by sex and age group (60 - 69 years; 70 - 79, and 80 years or older) before and after the beginning of influenza vaccination campaigns.


RESULTS
An increase in the respiratory mortality rates was observed in 1980 - 1998, mainly among males. The rate and velocity of the increase was higher among the older age groups. In the years following the vaccine campaigns (1999 - 2009), respiratory mortality rate trends by sex and age stabilized in São Paulo state.


CONCLUSIONS
A greater reduction in mortality rates would be observed if vaccinal coverage against influenza were greater and more homogenous. New strategies to increase the uptake of vaccine among the elderly are needed to reach higher coverage levels, especially in municipalities with older and larger populations.
Department of Public Health, Faculty of Medical Sciences, State University of Campinas, , primaria@fcm.unicamp.br.
Priscila Maria Stolses Bergamo
PM
Francisco
Maria Rita
MR
Donalisio
Leticia
L
Marín-León
D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D001938:Brazil / Q000453:epidemiology; D005260:Female; D006293:Health Promotion; D006801:Humans; D007252:Influenza Vaccines; D007251:Influenza, Human / Q000401:mortality / Q000517:prevention & control; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009026:Mortality / Q000639:trends; D015397:Program Evaluation; D012140:Respiratory Tract Diseases / Q000401:mortality*; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D014611:Vaccination
D007252:Influenza Vaccines