Disease burden of influenza in children and current status of vaccine usage in China / 中华实用儿科临床杂志

ABSTRACT

The annual deaths associated with influenza is estimated to be between 290 000 and 650 000,which caused substantial burden to the society.Children have the highest incidence of influenza among all age groups,which can cause overloaded medical visits and a significant increase of hospitalization risk.The severe economic burden includes not only the direct medical costs due to outpatients and hospitalization,but also the indirect burden of school absence of children and work absence of their family members.Annual vaccination is the best measure to prevent influenza,however,influenza vaccination coverage among children in China is very low,and influenza vaccination has not yet been included in the National Immunization Program.Now,the disease burden of influenza and the vaccine usage in children in China were reviewed,and in order to provide evidence for influenza control and prevention.