Back to Annual Meeting Page		American Public Health Association 133rd Annual Meeting & Exposition December 10-14, 2005 Philadelphia, PA

Abstract #111486

Megan C. Lindley, MPH¹, Pascale M. Wortley, MD, MPH², Carla A. Winston, PhD, MA², and Barbara H. Bardenheier, MPH, MA². (1) Association of Schools of Public Health/CDC Research Fellow, HSREB, National Immunization Program, CDC, 1600 Clifton Road N.E., Mailstop E-52, Atlanta, GA 30333, 404-639-8717, cvx9@cdc.gov, (2) Health Services Research & Evaluation Branch, National Immunization Program, CDC, 1600 Clifton Road NE, MS E-52, Atlanta, GA 30333

Background: Differences in attitudes and beliefs about influenza immunization may partially explain racial/ethnic disparities in influenza vaccination rates among the elderly. Objective: Describe demographic and attitudinal factors associated with intention or refusal to be vaccinated against influenza. Methods: Cross-sectional survey of African-American, white and Hispanic adults ≥65 years sampled from the Medicare enrollment database in five U.S. sites which were part of the Racial and Ethnic Adult Disparities in Immunization Initiative (READII). Respondents (n=4,905) were categorized as 'vaccinees' (currently immunized), 'probable vaccinees' (unimmunized but "definitely" or "maybe" intending to be vaccinated next year), or 'adamant refusers' (unimmunized and "definitely not" intending to be vaccinated next year) based on survey responses. Chi-square statistics and multivariate logistic regression were used to test associations. Results: The total proportion of adamant refusers varied by READII site, from 6% to 17%, and accounted for 25% to 50% of unvaccinated respondents. Seventeen percent of African-American respondents were adamant refusers, compared to 10% of whites and 8% of Hispanics (p<0.0001). Overall, adamant refusers were more likely than probable vaccinees to believe they had gotten sick from an influenza vaccination (41% vs. 30%, p<0.0001). Adamant refusers were less likely than probable vaccinees to believe that influenza vaccination prevents influenza (26% vs. 60%, p<0.0001). Multivariate models for each site will be presented. Conclusions: Substantial proportions of currently unvaccinated elderly are not adamant refusers. Education and outreach should focus on addressing negative attitudes and misperceptions about influenza immunization in order to increase influenza vaccination coverage, especially among minorities.

Learning Objectives:

• Participants will be able to identify specific demographic characteristics and beliefs that may be associated with being an adamant refuser or a probable vaccinee.
• Participants will be able to describe how the effects of demographic characteristics and beliefs that may be associated with vaccination category differ across program sites.

Keywords: Immunizations, Minority Health

Presenting author's disclosure statement:

I wish to disclose that I have NO financial interests or other relationship with the manufactures of commercial products, suppliers of commercial services or commercial supporters.

Recorded presentation