Prevalence Of Influenza Vaccination Research Articles

Prevalence of immunization against influenza in elderly Brazilians: National Health Survey, 2019.

The aim of this study was to estimate the prevalence of influenza immunization in elderly people in Brazil in 2019. This is a population-based cross-sectional study. The Brazilian individuals (≥60 years) who participated in the 2019 National Health Survey were included. The survey was conducted in permanent households in Brazil from August 2019 to March 2020. The prevalences of influenza vaccination and their respective confidence intervals (95%CI) were estimated according to sociodemographic characteristics and the diagnosis of chronic diseases. The prevalence of influenza vaccination was 72.4% (95%CI 71.5-73.2), with statistically significant differences observed between genders (p=0.001), age groups (p=0.001), and those living with a spouse/partner (p=0.002). Significant differences were found in groups with arterial hypertension (75.2%, p<0.001), diabetes (77.2%, p<0.001), and arthritis or rheumatism (75.5%, p<0.001). A global prevalence of influenza vaccination of 72.4% was estimated among elderly people in Brazil.

Disparities in influenza vaccination for U.S. adults with disabilities living in community settings by race/ethnicity, 2016–2021

BackgroundThere is a paucity of data examining disparities in influenza vaccination at the intersection of disability and race. ObjectiveTo compare the prevalence of influenza vaccination between U.S. adults (≥18 years) with and without disabilities living in community settings, and to examine changes in influenza vaccination over time by disability status and race/ethnicity groups. MethodsWe analyzed cross-sectional data from the Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System (2016–2021). We calculated the annual age-standardized prevalence of influenza vaccination (last 12 months) in individuals with and without disabilities (2016–2021), and examined percentage changes (2016–2021) by groups of disability status and race/ethnicity. ResultsFrom 2016 to 2021, the annual age-standardized prevalence of influenza vaccination was consistently lower in adults with disabilities as compared to those without disabilities. In 2016, 36.8% (95%CI: 36.1%–37.4%) of adults with disabilities had an influenza vaccine versus 37.3% (95%CI: 36.9%–37.6%) of those without disabilities. In 2021, 40.7% (95%CI: 40.0%–41.4%) and 44.1% (95%CI: 43.7%–44.5%) of adults with and without disabilities had an influenza vaccine.The percentage change in influenza vaccination from 2016 to 2021 was lower among people with disabilities (10.7%, 95%CI: 10.4%–11.0%; vs. no disability: 18.4%, 95%CI: 18.1%–18.7%). Among adults with disabilities, Asian adults reported the largest percentage increase in influenza vaccination (18.0%, 95% CI: 14.2%, 21.8%; p: 0.07), and Black, Non-Hispanics adults reported the lowest (2.1%, 95% CI: 1.9%, 2.2%; p: 0.59). ConclusionsStrategies to increase influenza vaccination in the U.S. should address barriers faced by people with disabilities, particularly the intersectional barriers faced by people with disabilities from racial and ethnic minority groups.

Influenza vaccination trend and related factors among patients with diabetes in Korea: Analysis using a nationwide database.

Subjects with diabetes are at higher risk of serious influenza-related complications. We aimed to investigate the yearly trend of influenza vaccination and factors associated with being unvaccinated for influenza in subjects with diabetes using a nationwide observational study performed within the recent decade. Among 105,732 subjects from the Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey between 2007 and 2019, 8,632 with diabetes were included. We investigated the yearly trend of influenza vaccination and factors associated with being unvaccinated for influenza. During the study period, the prevalence of influenza vaccination in subjects with diabetes showed a tendency to increase every year, reaching almost 60% in 2019, which was higher than the rate in subjects without diabetes. Younger age (adjusted hazard ratio (aHR) [95% CI] 11.29 [8.63-14.75] for < 50 years; 6.16 [5.21-7.29] for 50-65 years), male (aHR 1.67 [1.52-1.87]), current smoker (aHR 1.31 [1.00-1.72], lower-income status (aHR 1.46 [1.17, 1.84]), and high education level (aHR 1.30 [1.01-1.67]) were associated with being unvaccinated. Also, a poorer glycemic control with HbA1c ≥ 9% was found to be correlated with unvaccinated status (aHR 1.48 [1.15-1.90]). The influenza vaccination rate is still unsatisfactory in subjects with diabetes. Young age, males, low-income level, high education level, and poor glycemic control were associated with unvaccinated status. Considering the risk-benefits of influenza vaccination in patients with diabetes, physicians should make an effort to increase vaccination rates, especially in low vaccination rate groups.

Uptake of influenza, pneumococcal and herpes zoster vaccines among people with heart failure and atrial fibrillation

BackgroundCardiovascular diseases are the major cause of hospitalisation and death globally. Infections exacerbate cardiovascular events among cardiac patients, contributing to all-cause mortality. Vaccination is a cheap and effective intervention that can prevent infection. In Australia, influenza, pneumococcal and herpes zoster vaccines are recommended and funded for high-risk adults such as cardiac patients. There is high prevalence of high-risk adults in Western Sydney. ObjectivesThis study investigates the uptake of influenza, pneumococcal and herpes zoster vaccines in patients admitted with heart failure and atrial fibrillation in a tertiary hospital in Western Sydney and factors associated with the uptake of the vaccines. MethodsConsecutive patients' hospitalised between 2014 and 2018 with heart failure or atrial fibrillation as principal diagnoses were identified. Information on patients' social demographic, clinical and vaccination status was collected and described using descriptive analysis. Univariate and multivariate analyses were conducted to determine factors associated with the uptake of the vaccines. ResultsLow uptake for pneumococcal (40–45 %) and herpes zoster (15 %) vaccines were found. Prevalence of influenza vaccination was lower among participants younger than 65 (51–72 %) than in older ones (78–96 %). Australia-born participants were more likely to receive pneumococcal vaccine than those born overseas (OR 2.02, 95 % CI 1.05–3.89). Participants 65 years or older and those with comorbidities such as hypertension, COPD and chronic renal impairment were more likely to receive the vaccines. ConclusionMultidisciplinary strategies are needed to improve access to vaccination, community knowledge, community engagement, and healthcare provider support to provide appropriate care to migrants and younger cardiac patients and reduce morbidity and mortality in this high-risk group.

Influenza Vaccination and COVID-19 Outcomes in People Older than 50 Years: Data from the Observational Longitudinal SHARE Study.

Existing literature on the association between influenza vaccination and COVID-19 infection/outcomes is conflicting. Therefore, we aimed to investigate the association between influenza vaccination and COVID-19 outcomes in a large cohort of adults who participated in the SHARE (Survey of Health, Ageing, and Retirement in Europe). Information regarding influenza vaccination in the previous year, and medical and demographic characteristics, were self-reported. Positivity for COVID-19, symptomatology, and hospitalization were also ascertained using self-reported information. An adjusted logistic regression analysis (including 15 baseline factors or propensity score) was used to assess the association between influenza vaccination and COVID-19 outcomes. A total of 48,408 participants (mean age 67 years; 54.1% females) were included. The prevalence of influenza vaccination was 38.3%. After adjusting for 15 potential confounders, influenza vaccination was significantly associated with a lower risk of positivity for COVID-19 (OR = 0.95; p < 0.0001), symptomatic forms (OR = 0.87; p < 0.0001), and hospitalization for COVID-19 (OR = 0.95; p < 0.0001). The results were similar when using a propensity score approach. In conclusion, influenza vaccination may be beneficial for the prevention of COVID-19, as the present study found that influenza vaccination was associated with a small/moderate lower risk of COVID-19 infection and adverse outcomes.

Ecologic study of influenza vaccination uptake and COVID-19 death rate in New York City

BackgroundThe aim of this ecological study was to assess the area-level relationship between cumulative death rate for COVID-19 and historic influenza vaccination uptake in the New York City population.MethodsPredictors of COVID-19 death included self-reported influenza vaccination in 2017, as well as four CDC-defined risk factors of severe COVID-19 infection available at the ecological level, which were diabetes, asthma, BMI 30–100 (2 kg/m2) and hypertension, in addition to race and age (65 + years).ResultsAfter adjusting for potential confounders, for every one-unit increase in influenza vaccination uptake for each zip code area, the rate of COVID-19 deaths decreased by 5.17 per 100,000 residents (p < 0.0001).ConclusionsZip codes with a higher prevalence of influenza vaccination had lower rates of COVID-19 mortality, inciting the need to further explore the relationship between influenza vaccination uptake and COVID-19 mortality at the individual level.

Acceptance Rate of Influenza Vaccination Among Patients with Type II Diabetes.

Background:It is well known that patients with diabetes are at increased risk of influenza infection and its serious complications. Our aim was to evaluate the attitude towards and prevalence of influenza vaccination among Saudi patients with diabetes.Methodology:Descriptive questionnaire-based cross-sectional survey of a sample of patients with diabetes attending a specialist diabetic centre in the Ministry of Health Hospital in Taif city in Saudi Arabia. We utilized a generalized logistic regression model analysis to evaluate the effect of background factors on influenza vaccine uptake.Results:The study included (n = 336) patients with diabetes. The prevalence of uptake of influenza vaccine was 43.5% (CI: 38.2% to 48.8%). Adjusted analysis of background effects revealed that uptake of influenza vaccine was improved with age, university education, and belief in the dangerousness of flu infection in patients with diabetes. Factors that deterred from the uptake of flu vaccines were longer in DM duration, getting health messages about flu vaccines, belief in vaccine effectiveness, health practitioner information, in addition to physician recommendation of the vaccine.Conclusion:The content of health messages about flu vaccine and the quality of practitioner-patient interaction requires considerable improvement and re-evaluation if the flu vaccine uptake rates among Saudi individuals with diabetes were to increase. Comprehensive therapeutic packages for patients with diabetes should include high quality education about influenza vaccine. Research into preventative measures among patients with diabetes should evaluate the effect of educational interventions using robust methodology.

Prevalence and Predictors of Influenza Vaccination Among Adults with High-Risk Conditions, United States, 2019

Introduction: Influenza could be associated with illnesses, severe complications, hospitalizations, and deaths among adults with high-risk medical conditions. Influenza vaccination reduces the risks and complications associated with influenza infection in high-risk conditions. We assessed the prevalence and predictors of influenza vaccination in a national sample of adults with high-risk medical conditions in the United States. Methods: Using the nationally representative National Health Interview Survey of 2019, we estimated the prevalence of influenza vaccination among adults with high-risk conditions. We tested the associations between receipt of vaccination and socio-demographic predictors. Results: Out of 15,258 adults with high-risk conditions, 56% reported receiving an influenza vaccine over the previous 12 months. Multivariable regressions show that respondents from older age groups, females, married, higher annual family income, having health insurance and those with more than two high-risk conditions are more likely to receive the vaccine. However, adults from non-Hispanic Black race/ethnicity and living in the Southern census region are less likely to receive the vaccination. Education levels and living in a metro show no associations with vaccination status. Conclusions: State authorities and providers have important roles in sensitizing and reminding individuals with high-risk conditions to receive timely vaccination. Affordability needs to be enhanced for influenza vaccination including better insurance coverage and reduced co-payment.

Prevalence and identification of the determinants of influenza vaccination among French midwifery students

IntroductionMidwifery students in France are requested to be vaccinated against influīenza every year before the winter epidemic. The rationale is to protect pregnant women and newborns, the “frail” populations with whom students are in regular contact. The aims of the present study were to assess the prevalence of influenza vaccination among midwifery students and to identify the obstacles to its implementation. MethodThis is a descriptive study carried out by questionnaire among all midwifery students enrolled in one of the 35 midwifery schools in France for the year 2018-2019. ResultsThe 1092 questionnaires received showed that 47.9% of the students had been vaccinated during the previous winter, mainly in order to protect their patients. For those who had not been vaccinated, the main obstacles were a lack of time (64.7%), the vaccine was considered to be ineffective (57.3%) and forgetting to be vaccinated (43.4%). Most students reported that a midwifery school-based vaccination session would be effective in improving coverage. The decision to take up vaccination was influenced by the opinion of the student's entourage and information received in class. ConclusionAlthough the objectives of vaccine protection have not yet been achieved, influenza vaccination is not compulsory and midwifery students are free to choose. Students should be provided with all the information necessary to make their decision, including education on the subject, and have easy access to vaccination.

Disparities in influenza vaccination: Arab Americans in California

BackgroundInfluenza vaccination among minoritized groups remains below federal benchmarks in the United States (US). We used data from the 2004–2016 California Health Interview Surveys (CHIS) to characterize influenza vaccination patterns among Arab Americans in California.MethodsInfluenza vaccination was self-reported by Arab American adults (N = 1163) and non-Hispanic Whites (NHW, N = 166,955). Differences in influenza vaccination prevalence and odds were compared using chi-squared tests and survey-weighted logistic regression, respectively.ResultsAcross all years, 30.3% of Arab Americans self-reported receiving an influenza vaccine (vs. 40.5% for NHW, p < 0.05). After sequential adjustment by sociodemographic, health behavior, and acculturation variables no differences in odds of self-reported influenza vaccination were observed between Arab Americans and NHW (odds ratio: 1.02, 95% confidence interval: 0.76–1.38). Male and unemployed Arab Americans had higher odds of reporting influenza vaccination than female and employed Arab Americans.ConclusionsFuture work should consider specific barriers to influenza vaccination in Arab American communities.

Ecologic Study of Influenza Vaccination Uptake and COVID-19 Death Rate in New York City

The aim of this ecological study was to assess the area-level relationship between cumulative death rate for COVID-19 and historic influenza vaccination uptake in the New York City population. Predictors of COVID-19 death included self-reported flu vaccination in 2018, as well as four CDC-defined risk factors of severe COVID-19 infection available at the ecological level, which were diabetes, asthma, BMI 30-100 (mg/k2) and hypertension, in addition to race and age (65+ years). Zip codes with a higher prevalence of influenza vaccination had lower rates of COVID-19 mortality, inciting the need to further explore the relationship between influenza vaccination uptake and COVID-19 mortality at the individual level.Funding Statement: This research received no external funding.Declaration of Interests: The authors declare that they have no competing interests.Ethics Approval Statement: Not applicable.

32. Influenza Vaccination Prevalence Among Adults with and without HIV by Race, Age, and Sex

BackgroundPeople with HIV (PWH) may be more likely than people without HIV (HIV-) to receive influenza vaccinations. However, it is unknown if there are demographic differences in vaccination rates and whether this varies by HIV status.MethodsWe identified all adult PWH (≥18 years) and 20:1 race-, age- and sex-matched HIV- adults enrolled in Kaiser Permanente Northern California between 2013 - 2017. We evaluated prevalence of influenza vaccinations during the 2013 – 2016 flu seasons (September 1 to March 31). We used Poisson regression models with repeated measures (subjects contributed to multiple flu seasons) to estimate the relative risk [RR] of influenza vaccinations by race, age, and sex within HIV status strata. Multivariable models included terms for HIV status, race, age, sex, unhealthy alcohol use, smoking status, calendar year, alcohol use disorder, census-based education/income, depression, insurance type, and outpatient visits, and interaction terms for HIV*race, HIV*age group, and HIV*sex.ResultsThe study sample included 7,422 PWH and 152,305 HIV-. 90% of PWH and 91% of HIV- were men; mean age at baseline was 49.4 (PWH) and 50.6 (HIV-) years; and 45% of PWH and 44% of HIV- were non-White. In adjusted models, PWH were more likely to receive the influenza vaccine compared with HIV- (RR 1.51; 95% CI 1.50–1.54). Among HIV-, Blacks were less likely to receive the vaccine compared with Whites (RR 0.77; 0.76–0.78); this effect was attenuated in PWH (RR 0.88; 0.84–0.92) (Figure, panel a). Among HIV-, older age groups were more likely to receive the vaccine compared with the 18 – 29 age group, with attenuated RRs among PWH (Figure, panel b). Among HIV-, females were more likely to receive the vaccine compared to males (RR 1.11; 1.09–1.13) while among PWH, females were less likely compared to males (RR 0.94; 0.89–1.00; p=0.04) (Figure, panel c).Adjusted relative risk of influenza vaccination by race, age, and sex ConclusionPWH were more likely to be vaccinated against influenza than HIV-. In both PWH and HIV-, Blacks and younger age groups were less likely to be vaccinated, although these associations were attenuated in PWH. The effect of sex varied by HIV status with increased vaccination rates for female HIV- but reduced rates for female PWH. Targeted efforts are needed to continue to close the gap in demographic disparities regarding influenza vaccination rates among PWH.DisclosuresMichael Silverberg, PhD, MPH, Gilead Sciences, Inc. (Grant/Research Support)

Prevalence of and Sociodemographic Disparities in Influenza Vaccination Among Adults With Diabetes in the United States.

National estimates describing the overall prevalence of and disparities in influenza vaccination among patients with diabetes mellitus (DM) in United States are not well described. Therefore, we analyzed the prevalence of influenza vaccination among adults with DM, overall and by sociodemographic characteristics, using the Medical Expenditure Panel Survey database from 2008 to 2016. Associations between sociodemographic factors and lack of vaccination were examined using adjusted logistic regression. Among adults with DM, 36% lacked influenza vaccination. Independent predictors of lacking influenza vaccination included age 18 to 39 years (odds ratio [OR] 2.54; 95% confidence interval [CI], 2.14-3.00), Black race/ethnicity (OR 1.29; 95% CI, 1.14-1.46), uninsured status (OR 1.88; 95% CI, 1.59-2.21), and no usual source of care (OR 1.61; 95% CI, 1.39-1.85). Nearly 64% individuals with ≥ 4 higher-risk sociodemographic characteristics lacked influenza vaccination (OR 3.50; 95% CI 2.79-4.39). One-third of adults with DM in the United States lack influenza vaccination, with younger age, Black race, and lower socioeconomic status serving as strong predictors. These findings highlight the continued need for focused public health interventions to increase vaccine coverage and utilization among disadvantaged communities.

Prevalence of influenza and pneumococcal vaccination in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease patients in association with the occurrence of acute exacerbations.

BackgroundBased on current evidence, vaccination is recommended against the influenza virus and pneumococcus to avoid serious acute exacerbations in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), but the rate of their vaccination coverage is still suboptimal. To determine the prevalence and effectiveness of influenza and pneumococcal vaccination in COPD patients, and to prove its hypothetical association with the decreasing number of acute exacerbations.MethodsWe conducted a retrospective, population-based cohort study. Influenza and pneumococcal vaccination history were collected from 250 patients selected by simple random sampling from all COPD patients in Budapest at the Department of Pulmonary Rehabilitation of the National Koranyi Institute of Pulmonology between 01 January 2019 and 01 June 2019. Inclusion criteria were the following: age 40 years and diagnosis of COPD. Odds ratios (ORs) were evaluated based on the occurrence of acute exacerbations during the preceding year.ResultsThe average age was 66.62 (±8.34) years, 67.30 (±8.54) for males, and 66.09 (±8.16) for females. Man:woman ratio: 43.6%:56.4% in total. Overall prevalence of influenza vaccination was 23.6%, and the pneumococcal vaccination rate was 10.8% among COPD patients. Influenza and pneumococcal vaccination showed a significant protective effect and reduced the occurrence of exacerbations in the following year, influenza vaccination OR: 2.11 (95% CI: 0.88–5.02), pneumococcal vaccination OR: 1.06 (95% CI: 0.84–1.34), when taking both vaccination: OR: 2.37 (95% CI: 1.39–4.08).ConclusionsWe found association between influenza and pneumococcal vaccination and the reduced risk of hospitalization due to exacerbations in the ensuing year. The prevalence of vaccination is significantly below the optimal level.

Prevalence of Seasonal Influenza Vaccination in Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) Patients in the Balearic Islands (Spain) and Its Effect on COPD Exacerbations: A Population-Based Retrospective Cohort Study.

To determine the prevalence of influenza vaccination in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) patients and its effect on COPD exacerbations, we conducted a retrospective population-based cohort study analyzing real-life data. We included all registered COPD patients ≥40 years old using respiratory medication during the study period (2012–2013). Influenza vaccination during the 2012/2013 campaign was the parameter studied. Moderate and severe exacerbations during 2013 were the dependent outcome variables. Logistic regression adjusting for age, gender, concomitant asthma diagnosis, COPD severity, smoking status, number of moderate and severe exacerbations the previous year, and comorbidities was performed, and 59.6% of the patients received seasonal influenza vaccination. The percentage of patients with exacerbations was higher among those vaccinated. Influenza vaccination had a statistically significantly negative (non-protective) crude effect favoring the risk of severe exacerbations: OR: 1.20 (95% CI; 1.05–1.37). This association diminished and lost statistical significance after adjustment: aOR: 0.93 (95% CI; 0.74–1.18). The protective effect in the analysis restricted to the epidemic period was not significant: aOR: 0.82 (95% CI; 0.58–1.16). We concluded that prevalence of influenza vaccination was suboptimal. In contrast with most of the available evidence, our results did not support a protective effect of influenza vaccination on the risk of admission for COPD exacerbation.

Effectiveness of Influenza Vaccination Among Older Adults Across Kidney Function: Pooled Analysis of 2005-2006 Through 2014-2015 Influenza Seasons

Influenza vaccination is recommended for all adults but particularly for older adults and those with high-risk conditions. Reduced kidney function is an important high-risk condition, but the effectiveness of influenza vaccination across kidney function is uncharacterized. We assessed the effectiveness of influenza vaccination among older adults with and without reduced kidney function. Observational cohort study. 454,634 person-seasons among 110,968 individuals 65 years or older in the Geisinger Health System between the 2005 and 2015 influenza seasons, with baseline characteristics matched between those with and without vaccination using inverse probability weighting. Status of influenza vaccination. Incident hospitalization with pneumonia/influenza, coronary heart disease, and heart failure during influenza season stratified by estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR;≥ 60, 30-59, and<30mL/min/1.73m2). Pooled logistic regression analysis to estimate adjusted ORs. In the 2014-2015 influenza season, the prevalence of influenza vaccination was 63.3% without evident difference across eGFR categories. The incidence of hospitalization was higher in lower eGFRs (eg, 2.2% per person-season among those not vaccinated with eGFR< 30 vs 0.7% with≥ 60mL/min/1.73m2 for pneumonia/influenza). Overall, influenza vaccination was associated with lower odds of hospitalization with pneumonia/influenza (OR, 0.86; 95% CI, 0.79-0.93), coronary heart disease (OR, 0.93; 95% CI, 0.88-0.97), and heart failure (OR, 0.92; 95% CI, 0.86-0.99). When assessing by eGFR categories, the association was consistent in eGFR≥ 30, but not significant in< 30mL/min/1.73m2 (ORs of 1.04 [95% CI, 0.79-1.36] for pneumonia/influenza, 1.03 [95% CI, 0.87-1.23] for coronary heart disease, and 1.10 [95% CI, 0.92-1.33] for heart failure). Possible unmeasured confounding. Influenza vaccination was associated with lower risk for hospitalizations with pneumonia/influenza and major cardiac diseases in eGFR≥ 30mL/min/1.73m2. Studies are needed to explore optimal vaccination strategies for eGFR< 30mL/min/1.73m2.

Prevalence of influenza vaccination among health care workers and adverse effects after vaccination: A cross-sectional study

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Influenza vaccination prevalence among the elderly and individuals with chronic disease, and factors affecting vaccination uptake.

Our aim is to evaluate influenza vaccination rates among the elderly and individuals with underlying chronic disease, and factors that affect vaccination uptake. The study comprised individuals aged 18-65 years with underlying chronic diseases, and individuals aged over 65 years. Literature-based questionnaires prepared by the researcher regarding vaccination were completed through face-to-face interviews by the principal investigator. A total of 818 participants were included in the study, 257 (31.4%) were males. The mean age of participants was 57.47 ± 14.11 years; 274 (33.5%) were aged 65 years and over. One hundred and three (12.6%) participants stated that they received vaccinations against influenza annually, and 144 (17.6%) stated that they had vaccination against influenza in the 2015/16 or 2016/17 season. Fifty-two (19%) participants aged more than 65 years stated that they received vaccinations against influenza annually, 75 (27.4%) stated that they had vaccination against influenza in the 2015/16 or 2016/17 season. The most commonly determined reasons for not receiving vaccination were not knowing that it was necessary (34%) and believing that vaccination was not necessary because they were healthy (26%). Statistically significantly more participants who gained their knowledge from a physician were vaccinated than those whose knowledge came from other sources (p < 0.05). Participants who considered that they had sufficient information about influenza were vaccinated more frequently, the results were statistically significant (p < 0.05). Informing target risk groups about influenza vaccination by physicians and increasing awareness about influenza may contribute to increasing vaccination rates.

Prevalence of seasonal influenza vaccination among primary healthcare workers in Arar city, Saudi Arabia.

BackgroundInfluenza outbreaks occur annually and have significant ramifications on the wellbeing of the population. Influenza is given high priority in Saudi Arabia where numerous reports of different types of influenza outbreaks have occurred in recent years.ObjectiveThe study aimed to determine the prevalence of influenza vaccination among healthcare providers.MethodsThe study employed a cross-sectional design, and data was collected using a predesigned questionnaire which was validated by a panel of experts and tested for reliability (Cronbach’s alpha =0.8). All primary healthcare workers in Arar city (Saudi Arabia) were taken as a comprehensive sample between January and March 2018. The questionnaire used a Likert scale that assessed the reasons for embracing or rejecting the influenza vaccines. A p-value of ≤0.05 was considered statistically significant.ResultsIn total, 204 health professionals (72 physicians, 102 nurses and 30 other staff members) filled the questionnaire. The mean age of the healthcare professionals was 31.9±8.7 years. Self-report of seasonal influenza vaccination uptake was 55.9% (65.3% for physicians, 55.9% for nurses and 33.3% for other staff). Perceived risk of severity of influenza was 2.5 times more in the compliant group than that of the non-compliant group (p<0.001, 95% CI: 1.4–4.4).ConclusionUtilization of influenza vaccine is 55% in both nurses and physicians despite 89% of them being aware of influenza vaccination guidelines and MOH recommendations. It is needed to ensure the intensive education of healthcare providers to understand the protective value of influenza vaccine.

Low prevalence of influenza vaccination in hospitalized patients, in a General Hospital in Buenos Aires, Argentina

Background: Seasonal influenza is an acute respiratory infection caused by influenza viruses. It is relevant for Public Health because it can cause severe illness or death in certain risk groups. During seasonal epidemics, health services can become overloaded and there is a social and economic impact related to work absenteeism. The most effective way to prevent the disease is annual vaccination. Since 2011, the annual vaccination for influenza it is included in the National Vaccination Program for high-risk groups. The goal set by the Ministry of Health is a 95-100% coverage for this group. There is no data about coverage in adult people in Buenos Aires. Methods & Materials: This is an observational, transversal study. The objective is to describe the prevalence of influenza vaccination in patients in a general ward who belonged to high risk group, in Hospital Ramos Mejia, a public general hospital in Buenos Aires. As influenza vaccination should take place between March and June each year, patients were included between July and December 2016. Results: We included 91 patients in our study, 69,2% were women (n = 63), with a mean age of 57 years. The most frequent cause for hospitalization were respiratory infections (24%). Risk factors for influenza were age (≥65 years), in 28%, COPD (13%), corticosteroid use or immunosuppression (12% each). Some patients had at least two risk factors (24%). Only 35% of high-risk patients had received flu-vaccine, significantly inferior to national recommendations. In those patients who had at least one health checkup during the previous year, the chance of vaccination was greater (48% versus 14%, OR 5.5). Despite this, only half of the patients who had a heath checkup received the corresponding vaccine, although they did have an indication. The most frequent referred reason for not receiving influenza-vaccine was the lack of information about the recommendation. Conclusion: Although the study has some limitations related to the small sample size and the descriptive design, we found a low prevalence of influenza vaccination in this group of high risk patients. It is important to reinforce in the community and among health professionals the importance of annual influenza vaccination in high-risk groups.