The broadly-accepted need to adopt regional and global approaches against infectious diseases gained even more relevance after the COVID-19 pandemic. This crisis not only affected society and healthcare systems, but also modified patterns of other infections, such as influenza (flu), which affects millions of people every year. To continue improving its prevention and surveillance, a new edition of the Forum of Latin American Experts on Influenza was celebrated in May 23-24, 2022, organized by FIDEC and sponsored by Seqirus. Eleven specialists from Argentina, Brazil, Colombia, Chile, Dominican Republic, Guatemala, United States, and Uruguay convened in Miami, among them, Dr. Hebe Vázquez and Dr. Luján Soler, from FIDEC.
Experts shared updated information on flu cases in each country. They analyzed local changes during the pandemic and noticed consistent trends all around the world: infections caused by influenza viruses dropped drastically in 2020 and 2021, but surged back toward the end of 2021 and the start of 2022. In South America, these viruses began spreading earlier than usual, so the flu season was brought forward.
Another core discussion topic was flu vaccines, key tools for disease prevention and virus spread reduction. All participants detailed which vaccines are available in their countries, and thus concluded that, in the Latin American states represented in this forum, there is a limited availability of new influenza vaccines. Currently, in addition to standard vaccines, improved and differentiated vaccines are on the market.
After experts had analyzed regional barriers to vaccination in the pandemic and post-pandemic context, they agreed on evidence-based recommendations adapted to the reality of each country with regards to the types of vaccines to be applied, the priority population groups that need them most urgently, vaccination campaign duration according to changes in virus circulation, and the risk of exposure to diseases and their complications. Specialists also discussed strategies to increase flu vaccination rates in each country, since vaccination rates are still inadequate – especially among children and pregnant women –, despite improvements with respect to the previous flu season. Back in their countries of origin, but still in close communication with each other, members of this work group are alert to the implementation of their proposals over the next few months.