Factors Associated with Seasonal Influenza Non-Vaccination Among Children with Chronic Health Conditions in Canada: A...

Background/Objectives: Seasonal influenza vaccination is pivotal for protecting high-risk populations, including those with chronic health conditions (CHCs), from severe complications and outcomes. This study aims to describe the sociodemographic characteristics of unvaccinated children (6 months-17 years old) with CHCs, the reasons why vaccine hesitant parents chose not to vaccinate their children, and the factors associated with seasonal influenza non-vaccination among these children. Methods: This cross-sectional analysis used a sub-sample from the 2023 Childhood COVID-19 Immunization Coverage Survey, which captured data between April and July 2023. Parent and child characteristics were explored, using frequencies and proportions. Weighted unadjusted, partially adjusted (with child age and sex at birth), and fully adjusted multivariable quasi-Poisson models were designed to identify socio-demographic factors associated with seasonal influenza non-vaccination. Results: A total of 649/1187 (55%) children with CHCs were unvaccinated against influenza during the 2022-2023 influenza season. Vaccine hesitant parents with unvaccinated children expressed concerns with vaccine effectiveness (39.1%) and safety (27.5%), as did parents who refused vaccination for their child (56.1% and 35.8%, respectively). Unvaccinated parents (RR: 4.549, 99% CI: 4.480, 4.619) and parents with low household income (RR: 1.428, 99% CI: 1.400, 1.456) were more likely to have unvaccinated children, whereas children who received an annual influenza vaccine (RR: 0.097, 99% CI: 0.094, 0.100) and did not have a disability (RR: 0.913, 99% CI: 0.904, 0.922) had a lower likelihood of non-vaccination. Conclusions: These findings highlight the need for renewed messaging and educational resources targeting vaccine hesitancy and misinformation prevalent among parents with vulnerable youth.