Influenza vaccine uptake among adults living with young children

Background: Many studies report vaccine uptake among young adults aged 18 to 49 years is low. In Canada, the National Advisory Committee on Immunization (NACI) recommends influenza vaccination for adults in contact with young children, however vaccination rates for this specific population are missing. An estimate is required to identify appropriate public health interventions. The objective of this study was to describe recent trends in influenza vaccination uptake among Canadian adults aged 18 to 49 years old living with or without young children.Methods: The Canadian Community Health Survey (2013-2014) dataset, available for public use was used after grouping individuals by influenza vaccination uptake within the past year in adults aged 18 to 49 years. The relationship between living in a household with young children and influenza vaccination uptake was examined using a multivariable logistic regression model.Results: Among Canadian adults aged 18 to 49 years, the influenza vaccination uptake was 24.1% in adult household contacts with young children compared to 18.2% in those without young children (p<.0001). After adjusting for socio-demographic characteristics and self-perceived health, we determined that vaccine uptake was associated with living in a household with young children (adjusted OR: 1.30 [95%CI: 1.17-1.44]). While socio-demographic characteristics and self-perceived health greatly influenced influenza vaccination uptake, we also found marital status was a strong influencer of influenza vaccine uptake (adjusted OR: 1.31 [95%CI: 1.16-1.48]). Conclusion: Overall, influenza vaccination uptake among caregiving adults is low. Increased vaccine uptake was associated with living in a household with one or more young children. Targeted education and vaccination programs are required to improve uptake of the influenza vaccine in this age group.

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A Meta-Analysis of Influenza Vaccination Following Correspondence: Considerations for COVID-19

10.1101/2021.06.10.21258685 ◽

2021 ◽

Author(s):

Robert P Murphy ◽

Carol Taaffe ◽

Elayne Ahern ◽

Grace McMahon ◽

Orla Muldoon

Keyword(s):

Influenza Vaccine ◽

Influenza Vaccination ◽

Publication Bias ◽

English Language ◽

Meta Analysis ◽

Group Analysis ◽

Vaccine Uptake ◽

Vaccination Rates ◽

Health Authorities ◽

Direct Correspondence

Background: High vaccination rates are needed to protect against influenza and to end the COVID-19 pandemic. Health authorities need to know if supplementing mass communications with direct correspondence to the community would increase uptake. Objectives: The primary objective is to determine if sending a single written message directly to individuals increases influenza vaccine uptake, and a secondary objective is to identify any identified content shown to increase influenza vaccine uptake. Methods: PubMed, PsycInfo and Web of Science were searched for English language RCTs testing a single correspondence for members of the community in OECD countries to obtain influenza vaccination. A meta-analysis with inverse-variance, random-effects modelling was used to estimate a mean, weighted risk ratio effect size measure of vaccine uptake. Studies were quality assessed and analysis was undertaken to account for potential publication bias. Results: Twenty-two randomized controlled trials were included covering 37 interventions. Of the 37 interventions, 32 (86%) report an increase in influenza vaccination rates. A formal meta-analysis shows that sending a single written message increases influenza vaccine uptake by 18% (RR = 1.18, 95%CI [1.13-1.22], Z = 8.56, p < .001) relative to the no contact comparator group. Analysis shows that the intervention is effective across correspondence type, age group, time, and location, and after allowing for risk of publication bias. Limitations: The review was restricted to English language publications, and the generalizability of results across the OECD may be questioned. Conclusions and implications: The implication for public health authorities organizing vaccination programs for influenza, and arguably also for COVID-19, is that sending written vaccination correspondence to members of the community is likely to increase uptake. Keywords: vaccine uptake, COVID-19, influenza, direct correspondence, meta-analysis.

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Knowledge, Attitude, and Barriers Influencing Seasonal Influenza Vaccination Uptake

Canadian Journal of Infectious Diseases and Medical Microbiology ◽

10.1155/2020/7653745 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 2020 ◽

pp. 1-6

Author(s):

Mazin A. Barry ◽

Khalid I. Aljammaz ◽

Abdulaziz A. Alrashed

Keyword(s):

Saudi Arabia ◽

Influenza Vaccine ◽

Influenza Vaccination ◽

Seasonal Influenza ◽

Well Being ◽

Influenza Viruses ◽

Vaccine Uptake ◽

Severe Illness ◽

Seasonal Influenza Vaccination ◽

Vaccination Uptake

Background. Seasonal influenza is an acute respiratory infection caused by influenza viruses that are highly contagious and circulate in all parts of the world. It gives rise to an estimated 3 to 5 million cases of severe illness and about 250,000 to 500,000 deaths globally each year. Influenza tends to cause epidemics with serious illness and death among high-risk groups such as children aged 5 years and younger, pregnant women, elderly ≥65 years of age, and with chronic medical conditions. According to the Centers for Disease Prevention and Control (CDC), all people who are 6 months old and above are recommended to receive the seasonal influenza vaccine annually. Despite the fact that influenza vaccine is readily available, and the severity of the disease is known to adversely affect the individual’s quality of life and well-being, vaccination uptake rates are still low, contributing to the increased burden of the disease worldwide. Objectives. To measure the influenza vaccine uptake among residents of Riyadh Province, Saudi Arabia, that determines their attitude, knowledge, and beliefs regarding the vaccine. Methods. A cross-sectional study was conducted using a self-administered structured questionnaire distributed online targeting residents of Riyadh Province, Saudi Arabia, from 1st of August 2019 till 30th of September 2019. Participants were selected through volunteer sampling. The questionnaire included demographic data including age, gender, occupation, education level, marital status, and comorbidities. It also included questions regarding knowledge, attitude, and beliefs regarding influenza vaccine. After collection of data, statistical analyses were conducted by using Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) version 19.0. A P value of <0.05 was considered statistically significant. Results. Our study included 503 participants, with age ranging from 18 to 65 years old and 324 (64%) were females. 100 participants (19.9%) had comorbid conditions, and 223 (44.3%) have been vaccinated against influenza in the past. A large portion of participants (41.2%) were familiar with seasonal influenza vaccination from the media. The knowledge part of the questionnaire showed that 302 (60%) participants knew how often they should receive the vaccine and 313 (62.2%) participants knew that the vaccine is provided freely in all of Saudi Arabia. In terms of belief and attitude, 371 participants (73.8%) thought they were susceptible to the disease and 365 (73.8%) believed that influenza vaccine is beneficial, while 446 participants (88.7%) thought that the general public need more knowledge and awareness on the scientific facts of influenza vaccine. Regarding barriers, 295 participants (58.6%) wanted to avoid vaccines and 252 (50.1%) were concerned about the vaccine’s adverse effects. Participants with frequent health checkups and those who had previous knowledge on the availability of the vaccine for free were more likely to be vaccinated. Vaccinated participants (44.3%) were asked if they were willing to take the vaccine again when it is due, 158 (70.9%) answered yes. Those who elicited symptomatic reaction to the vaccine (26.0%) were less inclined to take it again P = 0.035 . Conclusion. We concluded that there is a low influenza vaccine uptake rate among our study population, considering that the barriers most commonly chosen by participants are solvable with health education and campaigns oriented towards delivering facts about the vaccine and dispelling misinformation; such measures are highly recommended and are postulated to carry a great benefit that should target common misconceptions identified in this study.

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Access, Education and Policy Awareness: Predictors of Influenza Vaccine Acceptance Among VHA Healthcare Workers

Infection Control and Hospital Epidemiology ◽

10.1017/ice.2017.113 ◽

2017 ◽

Vol 38 (8) ◽

pp. 970-975 ◽

Cited By ~ 1

Author(s):

Jennifer Lipkowitz Eaton ◽

David C. Mohr ◽

Kathleen M. McPhaul ◽

Richard A. Kaslow ◽

Richard A. Martinello

Keyword(s):

Influenza Vaccine ◽

Influenza Vaccination ◽

Healthcare Workers ◽

Vaccine Uptake ◽

Veterans Health ◽

Health Administration ◽

Vaccine Acceptance ◽

Vaccination Rates ◽

Modifiable Factors ◽

Site Access

OBJECTIVETo identify predictors of influenza vaccine acceptance among VHA healthcare workers (HCWs), with emphasis on modifiable factors related to promotion campaigns.DESIGNSurvey.SETTINGNational single-payer healthcare system with 140 hospitals and 321,000 HCWs.PARTICIPANTSNational voluntary sample of HCWs in the Veterans Health Administration (VHA) system.METHODSWe invited a random sample of 5% of all VHA HCWs to participate. An 18-item intranet-based survey inquired about occupation, vaccination status, employer policy, and local campaign efforts.RESULTSThe response rate was 17.4%. Of 2,502 initial respondents, 2,406 (96.2%) provided usable data. This sample includes respondents from all 140 VA hospitals. Self-reported influenza vaccination rates were highest among physicians (95.6%) and licensed independent providers (88.3%). Nonclinical staff (80.7%) reported vaccine uptake similar to other certified but nonlicensed providers (81.2%). The strongest predictor of vaccine acceptance among VHA HCWs was individual awareness of organizational policy. Vaccine acceptance was also higher among HCWs who reported more options for access to vaccination and among those in facilities with more education activities.CONCLUSIONSInfluenza vaccine acceptance varied significantly by employee awareness of employer policy and on-site access to vaccine. Employer-sponsored activities to increase access continue to show positive returns across occupations. Local influenza campaign efforts to educate HCWs may have reached saturation in this target group. These results suggest that focused communications to increase HCW awareness and understanding of employer policy can drive further increase in influenza vaccination acceptance.Infect Control Hosp Epidemiol 2017;38:970–975

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An evaluation of influenza vaccine uptake in UK medical students

Occupational Medicine ◽

10.1093/occmed/kqab014 ◽

2021 ◽

Author(s):

G Gray ◽

J Cooper

Keyword(s):

Medical Students ◽

Influenza Vaccine ◽

Medical School ◽

Influenza Vaccination ◽

Service Evaluation ◽

Vaccination Status ◽

Vaccine Uptake ◽

Vaccination Rates ◽

Increased Risk ◽

The Uk

Abstract Background The annual influenza vaccination is recommended for all front-line healthcare workers in the UK and is a crucial way of reducing mortality for vulnerable patient groups. However, to date the UK government has never explicitly monitored influenza vaccine uptake in medical students. This is important to ascertain, as students regularly move between clinical areas and are both a perfect vector for the spread of influenza and at an increased risk of contracting influenza themselves. Aims This service evaluation was designed to evaluate the effectiveness of an influenza vaccination programme in one UK medical school and make recommendations to increase vaccination rates in the future. Methods This service evaluation collected data about medical student uptake of influenza vaccination in one UK medical school. Two hundred and fifty-one students at different course stages completed questionnaires, answering questions on vaccination status and Likert-scale ‘belief’ questions to assess the subjective reasons behind vaccine refusal. Results There was a substantial difference between year group cohorts (~20%), with significantly higher vaccination rates in the preclinical year group. Two significant negative predictors of vaccination were found (P < 0.001), related to scepticism over the effectiveness of the vaccine and lack of convenient access to the vaccination. Results indicated that integrating information about the influenza vaccine into the curriculum would reduce lack of knowledge over the efficacy of the vaccine. The centralization of vaccination programmes at mandatory university-based learning events would mitigate against the problem of diversity of vaccination locations and lack of central accountability. Conclusions The results of this service evaluation provide significant predictors of vaccination status for medical students and potential occupational health interventions to improve vaccine uptake in this group.

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Determinants of influenza vaccine uptake and willingness to be vaccinated by pharmacists among the active adult population in Hungary: a cross-sectional exploratory study

BMC Public Health ◽

10.1186/s12889-021-10572-8 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 21 (1) ◽

Author(s):

Githa Fungie Galistiani ◽

Mária Matuz ◽

Nikolett Matuszka ◽

Péter Doró ◽

Krisztina Schváb ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Logistic Regression ◽

Risk Factor ◽

Influenza Vaccine ◽

Health Risk ◽

Influenza Vaccination ◽

Influenza Season ◽

Adult Population ◽

Vaccine Uptake ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Vaccination Uptake

Abstract Background Many studies have addressed influenza vaccine uptake in risk-group populations (e.g. the elderly). However, it is also necessary to assess influenza vaccine uptake in the active adult population, since they are considered to be a high-transmitter group. In several countries pharmacists are involved in adult vaccination in order to increase uptake. This study therefore aimed to investigate the determinants of influenza vaccination uptake and examine the willingness to be vaccinated by pharmacists. Methods A cross-sectional study was conducted among Hungarian adults using a self-administered online questionnaire distributed via social media (Facebook). The questionnaire included five domains: demographics, vaccine uptake, factors that motivated or discouraged vaccination, knowledge and willingness of participants to accept pharmacists as influenza vaccine administrators. Descriptive statistics were applied and logistic regression was conducted to assess the possible determinants of vaccination uptake. Results Data from 1631 participants who completed the questionnaires were analysed. Almost 58% of respondents (944/1631) had occupational and/or health risk factors for influenza. Just over one-tenth (12.3%;200/1631) of participants were vaccinated during the 2017/18 influenza season, 15.4% (145/944) of whom had a risk factor for influenza. Approximately half of the participants (47.4%) believed that influenza vaccination can cause flu, and just over half of them (51.6%), were not knowledgeable about the safety of influenza vaccine ingredients. Logistic regression found that age, sex, health risk factor and knowledge on influenza/influenza vaccination were associated with influenza vaccination uptake (p < 0.05). The most frequently cited reason for having an influenza vaccination was self-protection (95.0%). The most common reason given for refusing the influenza vaccine was that the respondent stated they rarely had an infectious disease (67.7%). The number of participants who were willing to be vaccinated by pharmacists was two-times higher than the number of participants who were actually vaccinated during the 2017/18 influenza season. Conclusion Influenza vaccine uptake in the active adult population is low in Hungary. Public awareness and knowledge about influenza vaccination and influenza disease should be increased. The results also suggest a need to extend the role played by pharmacists in Hungary.

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The role of health determinants in the influenza vaccination uptake among older adults (65+): a scope review

Aging Clinical and Experimental Research ◽

10.1007/s40520-021-01793-3 ◽

2021 ◽

Author(s):

Regina Roller-Wirnsberger ◽

Sonja Lindner ◽

Lea Kolosovski ◽

Elisabeth Platzer ◽

Peter Dovjak ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Older Adults ◽

Influenza Vaccine ◽

Influenza Vaccination ◽

Seasonal Influenza ◽

Vaccine Uptake ◽

Health Determinants ◽

Bibliographic Databases ◽

Factors Affecting ◽

Vaccination Uptake

Abstract Background Although the burden of influenza infection is the highest in older adults, vaccination coverage remains low, despite this age group being more vulnerable than others. Aims Given the current pandemic of SARS-CoV-2, it was the aim of this scope review to update knowledge on factors affecting seasonal influenza vaccine uptake among older adults to strengthen prevention approaches in the context of an overall burden of infectious diseases. Methods We searched bibliographic databases from 2012 to 2019. All studies reviewed one or more social determinant of health listed by WHO, or factors affecting the decision-making process whether to accept influenza vaccine or not. Results Overall, 44 studies were included, 41 determinants were extracted and summarized into six categories. Older age and constitutional factors including multiple chronic diseases as well as preventive lifestyle and frequent routine healthcare utilization positively affected vaccination uptake (VU). Living and working conditions are also researched determinants of influenza vaccine uptake. A small number of studies explored the role of social inclusion and system-based interventions. Discussion and conclusions This scope review provides a comprehensive overview on factors affecting seasonal influenza vaccination uptake among older citizens. The review also clearly shows gaps for evidence on system-based level or political strategies to improve vaccination uptake.

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The role of health determinants in the influenza vaccination uptake among older adults (65+): a scope review

10.21203/rs.3.rs-84732/v1 ◽

2020 ◽

Author(s):

Regina Roller-Wirnsberger ◽

Sonja Lindner ◽

Lea Kolosovski ◽

Elisabeth Platzer ◽

Peter Dovjak ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Older Adults ◽

Influenza Vaccine ◽

Influenza Vaccination ◽

Seasonal Influenza ◽

Vaccine Uptake ◽

Health Determinants ◽

Bibliographic Databases ◽

Factors Affecting ◽

Vaccination Uptake

Abstract Background: Although the burden of influenza infection is the highest in older adults, vaccination coverage remains low, despite this age group being more vulnerable than others. Aims: Given the current pandemic of SARS-CoV-2, it was the aim of this scope review to update knowledge on factors affecting seasonal influenza vaccine uptake among older adults in order to strengthen prevention approaches in the context of an overall burden of infectious diseases.Methods: We searched bibliographic databases from 2012 to 2019. All studies reviewed one or more social determinant of health listed by WHO, or factors affecting the decision-making process whether to accept influenza vaccine or not.Results: Overall, 44 studies were included, 41 determinants were extracted and summarized into six categories. Older age and constitutional factors including multiple chronic diseases as well as preventive lifestyle and frequent routine healthcare utilization positively affected vaccination uptake (VU). Living and working conditions are also researched determinants of influenza vaccine uptake. A small number of studies explored the role of social inclusion and system-based interventions. Discussion and Conclusions: This scope review provides a comprehensive overview on factors affecting seasonal influenza vaccination uptake among older citizens. The review also clearly shows gaps for evidence on system-based level or political strategies to improve vaccination uptake.

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Pay-it-forward to improve influenza vaccine uptake and public engagement among children and older adults in China: A three-arm quasi-experimental study

10.21203/rs.3.rs-1067881/v1 ◽

2021 ◽

Author(s):

Dan Wu ◽

Chenqi Jin ◽

Khaoula Bessame ◽

Fanny Tang ◽

Jason Ong ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Older Adults ◽

Influenza Vaccine ◽

Influenza Vaccination ◽

Primary Outcome ◽

Pragmatic Trial ◽

Standard Of Care ◽

Vaccine Uptake ◽

Vaccination Rates ◽

Quasi Experimental ◽

Vaccine Confidence

Abstract China has low seasonal influenza vaccination rates among children and older adults. This quasi-experimental pragmatic trial examined the effectiveness of a pay-it-forward intervention on influenza vaccination compared to standard of care (user-paid vaccination) and free vaccination strategies among children and older people in China (ChiCTR2000040048). In pay-it-forward, people receive a free influenza vaccine from a local group and are offered an opportunity to donate financially to support vaccination among future individuals. The primary outcome was pre-specified as influenza vaccine uptake. Secondary outcomes included vaccine confidence and associated costs. Among 450 participants enrolled, 55/150 (36.7%) in the standard of care arm, 111/150 (74.0%) in the pay-it-forward arm, and 114/150 (76.0%) in the free vaccination arm received an influenza vaccine. The pay-it-forward arm had significantly higher vaccine confidence when compared to the standard of care arm. In the pay-it-forward arm, 107/111 (96.4%) of participants donated money for subsequent vaccinations and 19 of 60 invited (31.7%) created postcard messages.

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Knowledge, attitude and practice of influenza vaccination among Lebanese parents: A cross-sectional survey from a developing country

PLoS ONE ◽

10.1371/journal.pone.0258258 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 16 (10) ◽

pp. e0258258

Author(s):

Ramia Zakhour ◽

Hani Tamim ◽

Farah Faytrouni ◽

Joanne Khoury ◽

Maha Makki ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Public Schools ◽

Influenza Vaccine ◽

Influenza Vaccination ◽

Vaccine Uptake ◽

Cross Sectional Survey ◽

Vaccination Rates ◽

School Aged Children ◽

Attitude And Practice ◽

Lebanese Population ◽

Knowledge Attitude And Practice

Background A growing number of parents refuse vaccination due to concerns about side effects. Influenza vaccine is no exception and remains one of the most controversial vaccines. Data regarding influenza vaccine uptake and parental knowledge, attitude and practice towards vaccination in the Lebanese population is lacking. The aim of this study was to assess the rate of vaccination refusal and potential associated factors among Lebanese parents of school-aged children, in general and with a focus on influenza vaccine. Methods A parent questionnaire was distributed in randomly selected 2 public and 2 private schools from the greater Beirut area during the school year 2017–2018. Questionnaires covered knowledge, attitude (including themes of efficacy, hesitancy and trust), and practice of vaccination in general and influenza vaccine in particular. Results The response rate was 76.5% (306/400). Overall, 29.4% parents reported vaccinating their children against influenza (62.2% in private and 37.7% in public schools). Younger age, paternal employment and higher household income were associated with higher vaccination rates (p = 0.01, 0.02 and <0.0001 respectively). Lack of vaccine recommendation by the physician was the most common reason for not taking it (47%). Parents who accepted influenza vaccination had higher scores in efficacy, hesitancy and trust and were more compliant with other vaccinations. Conclusion One third of parents of school aged children in the greater Beirut area vaccinate their children against influenza. This rate is likely lower in rural remote areas. Physician’s recommendation is the single most important predictor of such vaccination. Future studies tackling physicians’ attitude and practice are needed to help improve influenza vaccination rates in the Lebanese population.

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COVID-19 and Influenza: Vaccination Before and During the Pandemic among the Lebanese Adult Population

10.1101/2021.02.10.21251392 ◽

2021 ◽

Author(s):

Anthony Elia ◽

Nedal Taha ◽

Sima Tokajian

Keyword(s):

Influenza Vaccine ◽

Influenza Vaccination ◽

Influenza A ◽

Adult Population ◽

Vaccine Uptake ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Effective Measure ◽

Health Crisis ◽

Vaccination Rates ◽

The Impact

AbstractInfluenza is a common respiratory tract disease that has been around for years. Vaccination remains the most cost-effective measure to avoid infection. Influenza vaccination rates in Lebanon, like elsewhere in the world, are known to be suboptimal. The emergence and spread of SARS-CoV-2 led to a global health crisis. This study aimed at assessing the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the tendency of the general adult population residing in Lebanon to vaccinate against influenza. A quantitative cross-sectional study was conducted between November and December 2020 using a structured questionnaire passed on 1055 individuals to determine factors influencing vaccination habits prior to and during the COVID-19 pandemic. The factors were analyzed using univariate, bivariate, and multivariate analyses. The majority (69.7%) of the study participants never received the influenza vaccine within the last 5 years, 20% vaccinated occasionally, and only 10.3% were yearly vaccinated. Among individuals who never got the influenza vaccine within the last 5 years, 20.7% reported their willingness to vaccinate this winter significantly increasing the vaccination percentage. Participants concerned about the COVID-19 pandemic showed an enhanced willingness to vaccinate against both. Influenza and COVID-19 vaccination rates, nevertheless, are still considerably lower than the recommended coverage. The COVID-19 pandemic caused a significant increase in the tendency to vaccinate against influenza. Yet, urgent vaccination strategies should be implemented to boost vaccine uptake across all demographics to consequently diminish the burden conflicted by influenza, COVID-19, and ultimately other infectious diseases.

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