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Universal Influenza Vaccination May Reduce Inappropriate Antibiotic Use ARLINGTON, Va -- August 20, 2009 -- We all know that influenza vaccination helps prevent disease, but a study published in the September 1 issue of Clinical Infectious Disease suggests it may also prevent another public health problem -- inappropriate antibiotic use. Starting in 2000, Ontario introduced a universal immunisation program offering free influenza vaccines to anyone aged 6 months or older. Other provinces continued to target only high-risk groups and their contacts for vaccination. For the study, the authors compared prescription rates for influenza-associated respiratory antibiotics before and after the Ontario program began, and compared the Ontario prescription rates with those of other provinces. The broader immunization effort in Ontario was associated with a 64% decline in these antibiotic prescriptions compared with the other provinces that maintained targeted vaccination programs. In addition, influenza-associated mortality fell 39%. Flu-related hospitalisations, emergency department use, and doctors’ office visits also fell an average of 52%. Influenza and upper respiratory conditions account for a substantial number of antibiotic prescriptions, even though antibiotics don’t work against viruses such as the flu. The overuse of antibiotics and the development of antibiotic-resistant bacteria continue to be serious public health problems. According to study author Fawziah Marra, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, the study’s findings suggest that “jurisdictions wishing to decrease antibiotic use might consider programs to increase influenza vaccination.” SOURCE: Infectious Disease Society of America E-mail this page to a friend or colleague! To print, use this version