A Retrospective Analysis of Gender-Based Difference in Adherence to Influenza Vaccination during the 2018-2019 Season

Abstract

Introduction: Improving flu vaccination rates in the general population is an important and effective strategy toward reducing morbidity, mortality, and the cost of seasonal influenza. In order to optimize immunization strategies, factors associated with decreased vaccination rates need to be explored. The literature suggests that there is a gender difference in the rate of influenza vaccination but is limited to population-based survey studies and also is inconsistent as to which gender has a higher rate of vaccination. The purpose of this study was to evaluate for a gender-based difference in the rate of influenza vaccination among patients who presented for an annual physical examination during the 2018 to 2019 influenza season. Methods: In this multi-site, retrospective chart review, a total of 1193 patients (608 female and 585 male) who underwent an annual physical examination in April of 2019 were included. Baseline medical information was collected, as well as demographic characteristics and influenza vaccination status. The proportion of patients who underwent influenza vaccination was compared between males and females using multivariable logistic regression models; odds ratios (ORs) were estimated. Results: The likelihood of influenza vaccination was significantly higher in females (62.8%) compared to males (53.2%) in both unadjusted analysis (OR = 1.49, P < .001) and in multivariable analysis adjusting for the potential confounding influences of clinic location, BMI, insurance type, and occupation (OR = 1.42, P = .005). Interestingly, a higher influenza vaccination rate for females compared to males was observed in patients age<60 years (OR = 1.70, P = .025) and between ages 60 and 75 (OR = 1.66, P = .009), but not for patients older than 75 years (OR = 1.12, P = .66). Conclusion: Our findings indicate that the rate of influenza vaccination is higher for females than for males who presented for an annual preventive physical exam and who are younger than 75 years old.

COVID-19 Vaccination Hesitancy in the United States: A Rapid National Assessment

“…Similarly, a May 2020 study by Malik and colleagues found that males (72%) were more likely to accept COVID-19 vaccine than females (63%) [ 7 , 15 – 17 , 23 ]. In general, women are more likely to practice preventive behaviors and avoid risk behaviors (e.g., influenza vaccination rates in the US and wearing of face masks to prevent COVID-19 infections) [ 24 – 26 ]. However, the results of COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy have been mixed.…”

“…Additional research is needed on sex, parenthood, and family structure for COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy in light of influential factors such as risk perception, access to healthcare and health literacy, attitudes and beliefs, differential COVID-19 vulnerability and comorbidity burden based on sex, pre-existing vaccine hesitancy, safety and efficacy concerns, the effect of conspiracy theories associated with vaccines (e.g., for children and autism risk, deleterious effects of a vaccine potentially compromising the ability to care for children. unknown long-term sequelae, the seriousness of the infection due to vaccine), just to name a few [ 7 , 15 – 17 , 23 – 26 ].…”

Prevalence and Factors of the Performed or Scheduled COVID-19 Vaccination in a Chinese Adult General Population in Hong Kong

“…In literature, females usually tended to have higher prevalence of health-related service utilization (e.g., mental health services) [ 36 , 37 ]. However, they showed stronger vaccine hesitancy (including influenza vaccination and COVID-19 vaccination) than males [ 17 , 21 ], although mixed findings have been reported [ 6 , 38 ]. This study may be the first to explore why females tended to have lower COVID-19 vaccination rates than males.…”

Factors Associated with Survey Non-Response in a Cross-Sectional Survey of Persons with an Axial Spondyloarthritis or Osteoarthritis Claims Diagnosis

“…This has also been shown in other health-related surveys in Germany [ 26 ] and Europe [ 27 ] and seems to be a general phenomenon [ 28 ]. This might be explained by a higher health awareness that is also reflected by the higher influenza vaccination rates in women [ 29 ].…”

“…We think it is possible that this interaction is overlooked in studies that do not cover such a broad age spectrum as in the PROCLAIR surveys. A possible reason for younger women participating more often than younger men might be higher health awareness among the women, while elderly men and women seem to have equal health behavior [ 29 ].…”