Cynthia Leard
1,
K. Michael Peddecord1, Robert Vryheid
2, Wendy Wong
2, Kathleen W. Gustafson
3, Michelle De Guire
2, and Mark H. Sawyer
4. (1) Graduate School of Public Health, San Diego State University, 5500 Campanile Drive MC - 4161, San Diego, CA, USA, (2) San Diego Immunization Partnership, UC San Diego, County of San Diego Health and Human Services Agency, PO Box 85222, Mail Stop P511B, 3851 Rosecrans Street, San Diego, CA, USA, (3) San Diego County Immunization Program, County of San Diego Health and Human Services Agency, PO Box 85222, Mail Stop P511B, 3851 Rosecrans Street, San Diego, CA, USA, (4) San Diego Immunization Partnership, University of California, San Diego, 9500 Gilman Drive, MC 0927, La Jolla, CA, USA
BACKGROUND:
The ACIP recommends people of all ages with chronic pulmonary, cardiovascular, kidney, metabolic or immuno-suppression disorders receive an annual influenza vaccination, as well as pregnant women and anyone living with or caring for high-risk individuals. Although the flu vaccine has been shown to be both cost-effective and efficacious for these populations, it continues to be underutilized among high-risk adults aged 18 to 50.
OBJECTIVE:
1. Assess the influenza vaccination coverage rates among high-risk adults aged 18 to 50 for the 2003 and 2004 flu seasons.
2. Identify factors that predict receipt of the flu vaccine.
3. Suggest strategies to improve coverage among high-risk adults aged 18-50.
METHOD:
Random digit dialing surveys conducted by the County of San Diego Immunization Program in 2003 and 2004 collected influenza vaccination status, demographics and other relevant information for the prior 12 months. Combined data included 965 non-institutionalized high-risk adults 18-50 years of age. Descriptive and multi-variate analyses were conducted.
RESULT:
Self-reported influenza vaccination rates were 33.3% for high-risk individuals aged 18-50. After adjusting for covariates, people who had received a personal recommendation, those who felt that they should get a flu shot, health care workers and males were significantly more likely to have been vaccinated. Compared to the reference group of non-Hispanic whites, Spanish-speaking Hispanics were significantly less likely to receive an influenza vaccine while English-speaking Hispanics were similar to the reference group.
CONCLUSION:
Influenza vaccination rates are below HP2010 goals among high-risk individuals aged 18-50. Among these high-risk populations, specific sub-groups need to be targeted to increase their vaccine rates. Increasing personal flu shot recommendations from health providers is likely to be an effective strategy.
LEARNING OBJECTIVES:
Describe the predictors of flu vaccination among high-risk adults aged 18-50.
Suggest strategies that may improve rates among this group.
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