Inter-American Registry of Influenza and Pneumococcal Vaccination (CorVacc). Sub-analysis of the results in Argentina

Abstract

In Argentina, the influenza and pneumococcal disease mortality rate has increased in recent years. Objective: the objective of this sub-analysis of the Inter-American Registry of Influenza and Pneumococcal Disease Vaccination (CorVacc) is to determine vaccination rates and analyze the factors that influence them in Argentina. Materials and methods: A cross-sectional survey of the general population was conducted in 19 Latin American countries. Adults over 18 years of age completed a 34-question online survey. The data were grouped into seven categories: demographic, socioeconomic, and vaccination profile. Results: 2,128 responses out of 21,389 were obtained from Argentina; 61% (n = 1,349) of the participants were female, and the mean age was 46.59 ± 15.88 years; 58.23% of the sample received annual influenza vaccination, 49.67% received the pneumococcal disease vaccine, and 88.33% received at least three doses of the COVID-19 vaccine. Low educational attainment and poor confidence on vaccines were the main barriers to vaccination. Older individuals and healthcare professionals received vaccines more frequently. Conclusions: the vaccination rate in Argentina is lower than that recommended by ministerial authorities and medical practice guidelines. The Inter-American Registry of Influenza and Pneumococcal Disease Vaccination (CorVacc) identified some of the implementation barriers. Public health authorities and health funders will be able to use this information to design their action plans.