Factors associated with uptake of influenza vaccine in people aged 50 to 64 years in Hong Kong: a case–control study

Abstract

BackgroundIn Hong Kong, people aged 50–64 years were added as a recommended priority group (recommended group) for influenza vaccination by the Department of Health (DH) starting from 2011/12 onwards. The coverage rate of influenza vaccination for this age group was suboptimal at 8.5 % in 2012/13. This study investigates the factors associated with the uptake of influenza vaccination among adults in Hong Kong aged 50–64 years.MethodsA case–control study was conducted in communities by street intercept interviews from 17 July to 15 August 2013. Cases were adults aged 50–64 years who had received the influenza vaccine in 2011/12 or 2012/13, while controls were the same as the cases, except they had not received the influenza vaccine in 2011/12 or 2012/13. Multiple logistic regression analysis was performed on the data to explore the associations between vaccination status and the variables.ResultsSix hundred and four respondents in total were interviewed and included in the analysis. There were 193 cases (vaccinated) and 411 controls (non-vaccinated), with a case-to-control ratio of 1:2.1. The following were strongly associated with vaccination compared to other factors: ‘eligible for free government vaccine’ (OR6.38, 95 % CI, 3.43-11.87, p < 0.001); ‘willing to receive flu vaccination for free’ (OR4.84, 95 % CI, 2.13-11.03, p < 0.001); ‘perceived having severe or moderate symptoms when contracting flu’ (OR2.90, 95 % CI, 1.21-6.97, p = 0.02), and ‘convenient to reach a vaccination location’ (OR2.87, 95 % CI, 1.06-7.74, p = 0.04). The majority of the cases (80.8 %) and controls (93.9 %) were not aware that they belonged to a recommended group for influenza vaccination and most (>80 %) were willing to be vaccinated if it was free.ConclusionsFactors related to free and convenient vaccination, the perception of the severity of symptoms when contracting influenza had a comparatively strong association with influenza vaccination uptake amongst 50–64 year olds, compared to other factors.

Influenza vaccination frequency and associated factors among elderly population, a descriptive study

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Barriers of Influenza Vaccination Intention and Behavior – A Systematic Review of Influenza Vaccine Hesitancy, 2005 – 2016

“…Matsui et al note that “subjects described these barriers/inconveniences as means of transportation to a clinic, physical disability, and the expense of vaccination per se” [ 99 ]. Concrete financial expenses were reported as a barrier for HCPs (9/117 [ 91 , 112 , 160 , 215 , 273 , 285 , 343 , 394 , 395 ]), children (1/18 [ 205 ]) and the general public (7/191 [ 111 , 181 , 224 , 254 , 340 , 396 , 397 ]). For example, Kelly et al found that among Australian students who were eligible for government-funded vaccines, the likelihood of getting the vaccine was 7 times higher than for individuals who were ineligible for funding [ 395 ].…”

Influenza Vaccination Coverage Rate according to the Pulmonary Function of Korean Adults Aged 40 Years and Over: Analysis of the Fifth Korean National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey

“…Prevalence of influenza vaccination increased with age as in the previous studies ( 6 7 8 19 ), which is partly because adults aged 65 and over can receive free influenza vaccination through national immunization program for elderly, and partly because they have more utilization for medical services. The vaccination coverage rate is price sensitive and free or reimbursed vaccination has been reported as one of the strongest incentives to increase the vaccination of the young adults in Hong Kong ( 20 ). A study for influenza vaccination of cancer survivors also revealed that younger population had significantly lower vaccination coverage than elderly patients who had greater accessibility to vaccination by no cost ( 21 ).…”