Author:

• ÂNGELO JOSÉ GONÇALVES BÓS - Bós, A. J. G. - Porto Alegre, RS - Instituto de Geriatria e Gerontologia PUCRS - <angelo.bos@pucrs.br>

Co-author(s):

• Andrea Ribeiro Mirandola - Mirandola, A. R. - Instituto de Geriatria e Gerontologia - <armirandola@gmail.com>

Thematic Area:

Saúde do Idoso

Abstract:

Introduction: Respiratory infections are a group of diseases commonly related to the elderly, whereas the influenza virus is a major etiological agent. Vaccination of these individuals is considered by the World Health Organization as the most effective strategy to reduce morbidity and mortality from the disease. Brazil has sought in recent years, as a goal to vaccinate 80% of the target population.
Objective: This study aimed to relate the coverage of influenza and the mortality rate from respiratory diseases in the elderly.
Methodology: This was a cross-sectional secondary data analysis. Data on vaccination coverage in 2010 of the 496 municipalities in the elderly Gauchos were obtained on the website of the National Immunization Program and mortality in the Mortality Information System.
Results: The results showed that 49% of municipalities reached the target of 80% of seniors vaccinated, with vaccination coverage in municipalities below the target number of deaths was 5.2 per 1,000 elderly, this average significantly higher than in municipalities with coverage equal to or greater than 80%.
Conclusion: We conclude that the target proposed by the Brazilian Ministry of Health to vaccinate 80% or more of the elderly is effective in reducing mortality from respiratory diseases.

Keywords:

Elderly vaccination Vaccine coverage Primary prevention Mortality Respiratory disease

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