[Determination of influenza vaccination in persons 65 years of age and older]

Abstract

Background: Influenza vaccination is an effective preventive intervention to reduce the negative consequences of this disease. The objective of this work is to describe population patterns of use of influenza vaccination, to analyze the effect of a set of variables on the likelihood of being vaccinated and of having a proactive attitude towards the vaccine in the age group of 65 year and over.

Methods: Cross sectional study. From the Spanish National Health Survey of 1997 those 65 and more year old were selected. The association of reporting having had an influenza vaccination last as year or having asked for the vaccine was estimated.

Results: A total sample of 1,148 was analyzed. Overall, 51.3% of subjects reported having received a vaccination last year. 18.0% of them reported having asked for the vaccine. Odds Ratios statistically associated with the vaccination were: 70 to 74 year 1.6 (1.2-2.2), 75 and older 2.0 (1.5-2.8), male 1.4 (1.1-1.9), residents in towns with less than 10,001 inhabitants 1.6 (1.0-2.6), non smokers 2.1 (1.3-3.5), with a last visit to a physician in the last two weeks 1.8 (1.3-2.6). Odds Ratios statistically associated with having a proactive attitude towards the vaccine were: finished studies with more than 15 year 1.8 (1.1-2.9), no consumption of medicine in the last two weeks 1.9 (1.1-3.6), and self-reported health as good or very good 1.7 (1.1-2.9).

Conclusions: Overall influenza vaccination levels are not appropriate. Several factors have been identified as barriers for receiving this effective intervention. No association was found with socio-economic status. Some differences were also found regarding having a positive attitude towards the vaccine. This study may contribute to identifying population groups who are not receiving influenza vaccination and for designing strategies aimed to enhance influenza vaccination among them.