Abstract
ObjectivesThe study objectives were to (1) identify determinants of non-vaccination against seasonal influenza in Canadian adults and (2) examine self-reported reasons for non-vaccination.MethodsThe data source was the 2015–2016 Influenza Immunization Coverage Survey, a national telephone survey of Canadian adults. Participants (n = 1950) were divided into three groups: adults aged 18–64 years with (n = 408) and without (n = 1028) chronic medical conditions (CMC) and adults ≥ 65 years (n = 514). Logistic regression was used to measure associations between sociodemographic factors and non-vaccination for the 2015–2016 influenza season. Weighted proportions were calculated to determine the main self-reported reasons for not receiving the influenza vaccine.ResultsYounger age was found to be associated with non-vaccination across all groups. In adults ≥ 65 years, elementary- or secondary- vs. university-level education (aOR 1.87, 95% CI 1.14-3.06) was also significantly associated with non-vaccination. Significant variation in vaccine uptake was found for several sociodemographic factors in adults aged 18–64 without CMC. Low perceived susceptibility or severity of influenza and lack of belief in the vaccine’s effectiveness were the most commonly reported reasons for not receiving the vaccine.ConclusionIn general, our results were consistent with findings from other Canadian and American studies on seasonal influenza vaccine uptake. Belief that the influenza vaccine is not needed was common, even among those at increased risk of influenza-related complications. Additional research is needed to better understand how sociodemographic factors such as income and education may influence uptake and to raise awareness of potential complications from influenza infection in high-risk adults.
Highlights
In Canada, it is estimated that 10–20% of the population become infected with influenza every year (Public Health Agency of Canada 2015)
Those considered by National Advisory Committee on Immunization (NACI) to be at high risk of influenza-related complications include those with certain medical conditions and those aged 65 years or older (Public Health Agency of Canada 2015)
A systematic review of factors associated with influenza uptake in adults aged 18–64 years found that the association between education level or income and uptake of the influenza vaccine was inconsistent across the 21 studies from Asia, Europe, the United States, and Australia (Yeung et al 2016)
Summary
In Canada, it is estimated that 10–20% of the population become infected with influenza every year (Public Health Agency of Canada 2015). The National Advisory Committee on Immunization (NACI) recommends that all individuals 6 months of age or older and without contraindications be vaccinated against influenza (Public Health Agency of Canada 2015). Those considered by NACI to be at high risk of influenza-related complications include those with certain medical conditions and those aged 65 years or older (Public Health Agency of Canada 2015). To the best of our knowledge, results from this survey provide a national perspective that is better aligned to the Canadian context, providing important information on chronically ill groups that are aligned with NACI-identified risk groups and recommendations (Public Health Agency of Canada 2015)
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