Determinants of influenza vaccination among a large adult population in Quebec

Very low uptake has been noted for influenza vaccination in the province of Quebec. This study aimed to identify the determinants of influenza vaccination among a large regional population.

A telephone survey was administered to a random digit sample in the Eastern Townships region (Quebec, Canada). Respondents were asked questions on several health topics such as perceived knowledge and beliefs about influenza immunization, medical consultations, perceived health status and life habits. Significant variables in the univariate analysis were introduced into a multivariate logistic regression model to determine independent factors for having received the influenza vaccine (aOR and 95% CI) among adults aged ≥60 years and younger adults with ≥1 chronic condition.

A total of 4,620 interviews were analyzed. Among the target groups, 55.4% of adults aged ≥60 and 32.2% of adults aged 18-59 with at least one chronic disease had received the influenza vaccine during the 2013-2014 season. Several determinants were significantly associated with influenza vaccination in both groups such as having received a recommendation from a healthcare professional. Among adults aged ≥60, not having consulted a chiropractor over the last 12 months (aOR = 2.37; 1.09-5.19), non-smokers (aOR = 1.78; 1.22-2.59) and self-perceived poor health status (aOR = 1.45; 1.01-2.06) were significantly linked to flu vaccination. In the younger group, influenza vaccination was independently associated to low alcohol consumption (aOR = 2.14; 1.13-4.05) and being overweight (aOR = 1.63; 1.12-2.38).

Many determinants influence the decision to get vaccinated against influenza. Specific messages should be tailored for high-risk groups to effectively increase influenza vaccine coverage.