Characteristics of influenza vaccination coverage in adults with chronic disease: 2008-2010 Community Health Survey

Abstract

Background: Influenza vaccination is known to be the most effective and preventive way against annual influenza infection. Those with chronic medical conditions have higher chance of morbidity and mortality from annual flu infection, hence grouped as risk populations. However, the vaccine receipt rate in adults with chronic disease are not identified in Korea. To explore seasonal influenza vaccine coverage in chronic patient groups and associated factors, this study examined vaccine coverage rate and characteristics regarding influenza vaccine uptake in chronic disease groups. Methods: A sample of 680,202 subjects were collected from the 2008-2010 Community Health Survey. Samples were divided by people with/without chronic disease. Then samples were divided by vaccinated/unvaccinated groups within chronic disease group. Multiple logistic regression was conducted to identify socio-economic, health behavior factors associated with self-reported influenza vaccinations in chronic disease group. Results: Overall, influenza vaccine coverage was 58.6%, and 24-44% under 65 years old in adults with chronic disease which do not meet the recommended vaccine receipt. People with older age, female, lower education, having a spouse, lower income, service/manual workers, involving in healthier behavior such as not smoking, not drinking, walking regularly, having biennial health check-up, and receiving pandemic influenza(H1N1) vaccine had higher seasonal influenza vaccine uptake level. Conclusion: This study shows that adults aged 19-64 with chronic medical conditions have lower receiving rate than WHO recommendation, while people 65 years or older show constantly higher vaccine receipt due to the free immunization program.