Factors associated with influenza immunization in adults with asthma

This study examines factors that may influence adults with asthma to obtain an influenza immunization. In the U.S., asthma affects approximately 30 million people with an associated mortality rate of 1.5 per 100,000. Asthmatics are at substantially higher risk for influenza and its complications. Each year, influenza infects between 10%-20% of the U.S. population. Costs associated with influenza among asthmatics include both direct medical costs (health care and pharmeceutical use) and indirect costs (lost time from work/school, caregiver costs, premature death). Influenza vaccination is effective and is associated with a reduction in incidence, mortality, health care utilization and absenteeism. This study is a secondary analysis of 2004 data provided by respondents to the Virginia Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System (BRFSS). Almost 9% (450) of respondents report they currently have asthma. These 450 asthmatics are predominately female (70%), 48 years old on average, and 70% are Caucasian (almost all others are African-American). Overall, 60% of asthmatics did not obtain an influenza vaccination in 2004. Those with poor self-reported mental health , binge drinking in the past month, and children in their household were significanlty less likely to obtain an immunization, as were those with no health insurance and no personal physician. Those who had more severe asthma were no more likely to obtain an immunization than were others. Access to influenza vaccination for asthmatics needs to be increased, particularly for those who are vulnerable due to lack of health resources, childcare, mental illness or substance abuse.