Top 5 Takeaways

1. Overall Increase in Vaccination: Influenza vaccine administration was 9.0% higher during September–December 2020 compared to the same period in 2018 and 2019.
2. Decline in Vaccination Among Young Children: The number of influenza vaccine doses administered to children aged 6–23 months and 2–4 years decreased by 13.9% and 11.9%, respectively.
3. Increase Among Adolescents and Adults: Influenza vaccine doses administered increased among adolescents aged 13–17 years by 12.9% and among adults, with the highest increase (15.3%) in the 50–64 years age group.
4. Public Health Implications: Strategic efforts are necessary to ensure high influenza vaccination coverage, particularly among young children who are not yet eligible for COVID-19 vaccination.
5. Impact of COVID-19 Mitigation Measures: Public health measures to limit the spread of COVID-19 likely contributed to the unusually low influenza activity during the 2020–21 season.

Original Article Author and Citation

Corresponding Author

Patricia Castro Roman, kun5@cdc.gov

Suggested Citation

Roman PC, Kirtland K, Zell ER, et al. Influenza Vaccinations During the COVID-19 Pandemic — 11 U.S. Jurisdictions, September–December 2020. MMWR Morb Mortal Wkly Rep 2021;70:1575–1578. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.15585/mmwr.mm7045a3

Summary

This report examines the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on influenza vaccination coverage in 11 U.S. jurisdictions during September–December 2020. Overall, influenza vaccine administration increased by 9.0% compared to the same period in 2018 and 2019. However, there was a notable decline in vaccinations among children aged 6–23 months and 2–4 years. The report emphasizes the need for continued efforts to ensure high vaccination coverage, especially among young children.

Methods

Data from 11 U.S. jurisdictions with high-performing state immunization information systems were analyzed. The analysis included persons aged ≥6 months who received at least one dose of influenza vaccine between September and December in 2018, 2019, and 2020. The number of doses administered in 2020 was compared with the average number of doses administered during the same period in 2018 and 2019. The percentage change in vaccine administration was calculated overall and stratified by age groups.

Discussion

The increase in influenza vaccine administration during September–December 2020 was primarily driven by higher vaccination rates among adolescents and adults. In contrast, vaccination rates among children aged 6 months–4 years declined. The findings align with other studies showing lower vaccination coverage among children and higher coverage among adults during the 2020–21 influenza season. Public health measures to limit the spread of COVID-19 likely contributed to the low influenza activity during the 2020–21 season.

Conclusion

Strategic efforts are needed to ensure high influenza vaccination coverage among all age groups, particularly young children who are not yet eligible for COVID-19 vaccination. Influenza vaccination is a critical component of public health strategy to reduce respiratory illnesses and alleviate the burden on healthcare systems already strained by the COVID-19 pandemic.

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