Influenza and Pneumococcal Immunizations Among Virginia Elderly Aged 65 Years+

Influenza and Pneumococcal Immunizations Among Virginia

Elderly Aged 65 Years +

Darylnet Lyttle, MS, APRN-BC, Deborah Hudson, MPH, Simone Samuel, BS Stacey Plichta, Sc.D.

Abstract

Purpose: This study explores factors associated with obtaining annual influenza and recommended pneumococcal immunizations among Virginia elderly aged 65+.

Methods: This research study is a secondary analysis of the CDC's Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance Survey (BRFSS) for Virginia. This study focuses on the non-institutionalized population aged 65+. Of the 1316 respondents over age 65, the majority (66.1%) were female and White (83%). Most respondents were between 65 - 74 years of age (57%) with a mean age of 73 years. Forty-six percent were currently married and most respondents reported having a high school education (33.1%). Although underreported, most respondents (56.8%) indicated an annual household income of less than $35,000.

Results: Data were analyzed utilizing descriptive, bivariate inferential statistics. Statistically significant findings were associated with marital status, race, age and education (p < .05). Overall, (66%) respondents reported obtaining influenza immunization and (62.4%) pneumococcal immunization. The lowest reported percentages for both immunizations were among Blacks. Those separated or divorced, aged 65-74 years old and having some high school education were found to have lower immunization percentages. A significant relationship was associated with perceived health status and obtaining recommended pneumococcal immunization (p < .05). Those who reported their health status as fair/poor were more likely to obtain recommended pneumococcal immunization (70.8%).

Conclusions: The study suggests that state adult immunization education programs need to target this vulnerable population.