Surveying a nationally representative internet-based panel to obtain timely estimates of influenza vaccination rates

We studied the feasibility of using an internet-based panel survey to obtain timely and accurate population-based data on influenza vaccination. We surveyed a nationally representative sample of US adults (n=3043) via the internet about use of influenza vaccination during the 2007-8 influenza vaccination season. We compared the internet-based rates to those from the 2004 and 2008 National Health Interview Surveys (NHIS). The internet-based rates were comparable to those from the NHIS and were obtained in less than six weeks following the end of influenza vaccination season. We conclude that an internet-based approach can yield accurate estimates of end-of-season influenza vaccination rates in time to support improved management of the subsequent season.