Uptake of the Childhood Live Attenuated Influenza Vaccine (LAIV) and Influenza-related Healthcare Resource Use in England During the 2012 to 2022 Flu Seasons; a Retrospective, Observational Study in the CPRD and HES Databases

Uptake of influenza vaccination

In 2013, the NHS started a vaccination program in some regions of England to provide free flu
 vaccines to children aged 2 years or older, and younger than 16 years. The program has since
 been rolled out across England. Most children are given a vaccine that is sprayed into their
 nose. In clinical trials, this vaccine has been shown to protect children from experiencing
 severe flu symptoms. It is important to describe how it is used, and what happens to children
 who receive it in the wider community. This evidence will help the NHS to check that the
 vaccine roll out runs as planned and produces the intended benefits.
 
 This study aims to: (1) describe how many children each year receive flu vaccines, and
 describe the characteristics of children who are and aren't vaccinated for influenza; (2)
 test how often children receiving the vaccine see their GP or a hospital doctor for symptoms
 related to flu, compared to those who don't; and (3) to test what groups of children are more
 or less likely to receive a flu vaccine. To answer these objectives, the study will use the
 Clinical Practice Research Datalink, linked to Hospital Episode Statistics and the Office for
 National Statistics database.