Influenza vaccination in Mississippi, 1992-2003: trends, subgroup comparisons, and forecast

We examined longitudinal trends in relative frequency of influenza vaccination in the state of Mississippi.

An influenza vaccination questionnaire was used to assess status among 20,078 adults who were sampled in random-digit-dialed telephone surveys administered in 1992, 1993, 1995, 1997, 1999, 2001, 2002, and 2003. Time trends were evaluated using logistic regression models in which the status of influenza vaccination was regressed on the respondents' gender, race, education, and household income.

In Mississippi, influenza vaccination rates increased substantially during 1992-2003 irrespective of gender, race/ethnicity, age, education, and household income. The increases showed a significant linear trend. Non-Hispanic blacks were significantly less likely to have been vaccinated for influenza compared to non-Hispanic whites without accounting for gender, age, education, and household income. Having a college degree was associated with higher vaccination rates among older Mississippians after adjusting for other factors.

Although vaccination coverage is increasing, the national goal for 2010 does not appear achievable without new initiatives. Meanwhile, we should continue to provide funding for the immunization program and to educate the population regarding their compliance.