A Community-based rapid needs assessment of knowledge and intent to receive seasonal and novel influenza vaccines

Influenza vaccine uptake among younger adults is typically low, and intention to receive novel influenza A (H1N1) vaccine has been estimated in select populations at about 50%. During August 28-29, 2009, a population-based rapid needs assessment (RNA) in 2 counties in North Carolina was conducted to measure knowledge of and intention to receive seasonal and novel influenza vaccines and ability to comply with isolation recommendations. Of 258 households visited, 207 were interviewed (80%). A total of 165 (80%) interviewees were aware that a novel influenza vaccine was in production; most (83%) received this information from television. 133 (64%) respondents intend to receive novel vaccine, 134 (64%) intend to receive seasonal vaccine, and 109 (52%) intend to receive both. While only 75 (36%) were aware the novel vaccine required 2 doses, the knowledge that two doses were required did not affect intent. Primary reasons given for not intending to receive the novel vaccine were the perception that illness would be mild and that vaccine would be ineffective in preventing infection. Of 74 interviewees with children under age 18, 45 (61%) expressed intent to have their children vaccinated. Most employed persons (65%) believed that they could comply with self-isolation guidance, although 40 (41%) of 98 employed respondents had no paid sick leave. For planning purposes, knowledge of and intention to receive both novel and seasonal vaccines appear to be high. However, ability to comply with community mitigation strategies could be complicated by the high proportion of workers without paid sick leave.