Influenza immunization campaign does not affect ED volume

A retrospective study of 5 Ontario hospitals...

A retrospective study of 5 Ontario hospitals published in the July, 2002 issue of Canadian Journal of Emergency Medicine found that "there was no significant correlation between influenza rates and Emergency Department volumes." Data from 5 hospitals showed that, "during influenza season, acute respiratory diagnoses accounted for only 4.4% of ED visits and influenza for only 0.34% of visits." During the influenza season after the universal immunization campaign, ED visits increased at all sites. The study concluded that, "a universal influenza immunization campaign is unlikely to affect ED volume." Since 2000, Ontario has spent over $100 million on its "universal" flu vaccine program.

Canadian Journal of Emergency Medicine

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