Seasonal influenza vaccination uptake in Quebec, Canada, 2 years after the influenza A(H1N1) pandemic

BACKGROUND: A decrease in seasonal influenza vaccine uptake was observed after the influenza A(H1N1) pandemic in 2009. The goal of our study was to assess seasonal influenza vaccine uptake in 2011-2012, 2 years after the influenza A(H1N1) pandemic mass immunization campaign and to identify the main reasons for having or not having received the vaccine. METHODS: A telephone survey using random-digit dialing methodology was conducted. Case-weights were assigned to adjust for disproportionate sampling and for nonresponse bias. Descriptive statistics were generated for all variables. RESULTS: Seasonal influenza vaccine uptake was 57% among adults aged ≥60 years, 35% among adults with chronic medical conditions, and 44% among health care workers. The main reasons given for having been vaccinated were to be protected from influenza and a high perceived susceptibility to influenza, whereas low perceived susceptibility to influenza and low perceived severity of influenza were the main reasons for not having been vaccinated. CONCLUSIONS: An increase in seasonal influenza vaccine uptake was observed 2 years after the influenza A(H1N1) pandemic. However, vaccine coverage is still below the target level of 80%. More efforts are needed to develop effective strategies to increase seasonal influenza vaccine uptake.
Authors (Zotero)
Dubé, Eve; Gagnon, Dominique; Kiely, Marilou; Defay, Fannie; Guay, Maryse; Boulianne, Nicole; Sauvageau, Chantal; Landry, Monique; Turmel, Bruno; Markowski, France; Hudon, Nathalie
Date (Zotero)
Mayo, 2014