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Variations in influenza vaccination among the elderly
Stephenie C Lemon1, William Rakowski, Melissa A Clark
1Division of Preventive and Behavioral Medicine, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, MA 01655, USA. Stephenie.Lemon@umassmed.edu
American Journal of Health Behavior
|July 2, 2004
Summary
Influenza vaccination rates significantly differ across elderly subgroups, with preventive care access and race/ethnicity being key factors. Targeted outreach can improve vaccination coverage in lower-prevalence groups.
Area of Science:
- Gerontology
- Public Health
- Epidemiology
Background:
- Influenza vaccination is crucial for elderly health.
- Understanding population segments can optimize vaccination strategies.
- Previous research indicates disparities in vaccination uptake.
Purpose of the Study:
- To identify distinct population segments among the elderly based on influenza vaccination likelihood.
- To pinpoint characteristics associated with varying vaccination rates within these segments.
Main Methods:
- Analysis of data from 30,668 elderly participants in the 1999 Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System.
- Utilized classification and regression tree analysis to identify population segments.
Main Results:
- Eleven unique subgroups were identified.
- The lowest influenza vaccination prevalence (28.1%) was observed in Non-Hispanic Blacks and Hispanics without recent checkups.
- The highest prevalence (80.6%) was found in married white individuals aged 75+ with a recent checkup.
Conclusions:
- Influenza vaccination rates exhibit significant variation based on preventive medical care utilization and race/ethnicity.
- These identified factors are suitable for developing targeted public health outreach initiatives.
- Tailored strategies can address disparities and improve influenza vaccine uptake in vulnerable elderly populations.