Abstract
This study used Poisson regression modelling to estimate influenza-associated mortality in New Zealand for 1990-2008. Inputs were weekly numbers of deaths and influenza and RSV isolates. Seasonal influenza was associated with an average of 401 medical deaths annually from 1990 to 2008, a rate of 10.6 (95% CI: 7.9, 13.3) per 100,000 persons per year, which is 17 times higher than recorded influenza deaths. The majority (86%) of deaths occurred in those 65 years and over. There was no clear decline in influenza-associated mortality in this age group over the course of the study period.