Effects on current ILI (Influenza-like-illness) trends in Poland, including the previous public health strategy of non-vaccination against the 2009/10 H1N1 swine flu virus pandemic

Polish health authorities resisted vaccinating its population against the 2009/10 swine flu pandemic strain, in stark contrast to most other countries. Instead, a phased action policy was adopted of firstly identification and isolation followed by containment as managed by the Polish Chief Sanitary Inspectorate (GIS), where plans were designed, (2001-5) by the country's foremost experts in response/according to alerts and recommendations from WHO, ECDC etc. The global epidemiological situation was closely monitored throughout by GIS, thereby ensuring a flexible and appropriate reaction to the pandemic. The mild disease course together with similarly usual seasonal ILI rates, (50/100,000 weekly) vindicated this approach. Latest WHO/ECDC data however now show that Poland has the highest EU ILI, (522/100,000) and increasing, albeit at deceasing rates; EU ILIs ranging 2.3-27.5, 52.2-119.6 and 170-522/100,000 for respectively n= 8, 8 and 6 countries providing data. An obvious and priority target for decreasing ILI is to increase vaccination rates; Poland having by far the lowest EU ones, and decreasing; <4%, (elderly 16%). Studies have identified several contributing factors, not just free vaccination provision; ie. incorrect knowledge how flu is spread, a powerful Polish anti-vaccination lobby, misplaced confidence in medication and widespread belief in various flu myths (eg. cold temperatures causing flu). Furthermore, the decision taken in 2009 not to vaccinate against swine flu is now mistakenly perceived that, as a whole, flu vaccination is ineffective. The GP's role is acknowledged as being paramount together with educational campaigns targeted at all age groups. Appropriate remedial action is thus being formulated.