Factors Associated with Influenza Vaccination Uptake among U.S. Adults: Focus on Nativity and Race/Ethnicity

Abstract

To support implementation strategies for upcoming influenza (flu) vaccinations for foreign-born and racial/ethnic minority groups, we analyzed the 2018 National Health Interview Survey (NHIS) database and performed logistic regression to examine the factors associated with, and the interaction between nativity and race/ethnicity in directing flu vaccination rates during the past 12 months (n = 25,045). As a result, we found nativity and race/ethnicity were associated with flu vaccination rates; foreign-born and non-Hispanic black respondents were less likely to take the vaccine than U.S.-born and non-Hispanic white respondents. The odds ratios were largest for the elderly, those working in the healthcare industry, those with health insurance, and those with a usual source of care (ORs = 3.058, 2.871, 2.317, and 2.342, respectively), suggesting that access to healthcare resources is critical for the uptake of the flu vaccine. There was a significant interaction effect between nativity and race/ethnicity. For improving flu vaccination rates, more support is necessary for foreign-born people and racial/ethnic minorities who have lower health insurance rates and usual sources of care than U.S.-born people and non-Hispanic whites, and thus are less able to adequately access healthcare resources in a timely manner.

Predictors of Vaccine Uptake among Migrants in the United States: A Rapid Systematic Review

“…Additionally, health policies should encourage flu vaccination among migrants who cross the border more than eight times per month to increase the vaccination rate, perhaps with incentives. The findings of Chuey et al were consistent with the literature as being a US-born Asian and foreign-born Hispanic significantly predicted the seasonal flu vaccine uptake in the US [ 36 ]. Hispanics might have well-established social ties in the US facilitating vaccination compared to other foreign-born migrant populations.…”

Attitudes, Perceptions and Practices of Influenza Vaccination in the Adult Population: Results of a Cross-Sectional Survey in Spain

“…The disease has important social and economic repercussions, making it a major public health problem [ 2 , 3 , 4 , 5 ]. It can affect between 5% and 20% of the general population and up to 50% of the institutionalised population, generating a significant number of medical consultations and loss of working hours as a consequence of the disease [ 3 , 6 ]. Globally, annual epidemics are estimated to cause 3–5 million cases of severe disease and 250,000–500,000 deaths per year [ 2 , 7 , 8 , 9 , 10 , 11 ].…”

Intra-season waning of immunity following the seasonal influenza vaccine in early and late vaccine recipients

“…This is particularly important given that the HCWs comprising the late-vaccinated group were more likely to have influenza vaccine hesitancy factors, such as younger age and minority ethnicity. [ 7 , 8 ] Therefore, early cessation of a seasonal vaccine programme may lower vaccine uptake in these groups.…”