Ján Mikas, Dana Lukáčová, Viera Švihrová, Henrieta Hudečková
Background: Influenza is a very serious communicable disease. One of the most effective measures in prevention of influenza is vaccination. Patients: In this work are presented results of analysis of reported acute respiratory infections (ARI) and influenza like illnesses (ILI) for the period 2006-2011 in Slovakia, vaccination coverage with seasonal vaccine in 1997-2011 and with pandemic vaccine from 15. 12. 2009 to 10. 08. 2010 in the population of Slovakia. Methods: Retrospective analysis of epidemiological data about prevalence of acute respiratory infections (ARI) and influenza-like illnesses (ILI) in Slovakia from 2006 to 2011 from the epidemiological information system (EPIS) and results from regular administrative controls in the years 1997-2011 for evaluation of vaccine coverage with seasonal vaccine. Results: Trend in morbidity due to ARI and ILI was during monitored period decreasing, despite influenza pandemic A (H1N1) pdm09. Overall vaccination against pandemic influenza ranged during monitored period from 1.8 % (1997) to 12.8 % (2009) with increasing trend, despite slight decrease in 2010 (12.4 %) and greater decrease in 2011 (9.1 %). The proportion of vaccinated children in overall vaccination ranged from 0.1 % (1997) to 1.4 % (2009). The proportion of vaccinated children in age group 0-14 years ranged from 0.4 % (1997) to 9.2 % (2009). Interest in extraordinary and recommended vaccination was in Slovakia very low. Total population vaccination coverage against pandemic influenza was 0.4 %, in children under 15 years was approximately 2-times lower and in health-care workers was 6.5-times higher. In comparison to the EU and the EEA was vaccination coverage with pandemic vaccine across all monitored categories in Slovakia the lowest. Conclusion: Based on results of analysis last pandemic we recommended in practice to improve information and awareness of professional and general public about influenza, to find appropriate way to communicate with media, to strengthen personnel and material well-functioning system of epidemiological and laboratory surveillance of influenza in Slovakia, as well as cooperation with sentinel doctors and using of information system EPIS. It is important to achieve higher vaccination coverage against seasonal influenza in terms of WHO recommendations (WHO, 2009). Experience gained from last pandemic use for effective and efficient preparation for next influenza pandemic.