Effect of Influenza Vaccination of Children on Infection Rates in Hutterite Communities

Abstract

Influenza is a major cause of morbidity and mortality, resulting in an estimated 200 000 hospitalizations and 36 000 deaths annually in the United States alone.^1-4 During pandemics, the burden of influenza illness increases substantially.⁵ Current vaccine policy focuses on immunizing those at high risk of complications of influenza.⁶ As a component of a broader policy to prevent the spread of influenza and reduce its complications, using immunization to interrupt community-wide transmission of influenza may be effective for protecting the entire population, including those at high risk.⁷