Evaluation of influenza vaccination coverage in a high risk group, age 65+ years, District of Columbia: 2001 – 2008

Learning Objectives: Understand the effect of socioeconomic conditions and healthcare coverage on influenza vaccinations.

Identify areas of the District of Columbia with significant influenza vaccinations.

Evaluate indicators of influenza vaccination coverage among individuals aged 65+.

Introduction: The majority of deaths from influenza occur in adults aged 65 and over. A review by the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases in 2008 concluded that seasonal influenza causes more than 200,000 hospitalizations and 41,000 deaths in the U.S. every year. In the District of Columbia, only 61% of adults aged 65 years and older has been vaccinated against influenza.

Objective: This study seeks to evaluate determinants of influenza vaccination coverage. Method: The Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System (BRFSS) influenza data for year 2001-2008 will be used for this study. Selected socioeconomic indicators will be geocoded and analyzed using ArcGIS 9.3. Socioeconomic variables for this study will include poverty, and access to insurance, Medicaid and health facilities. Spatial autocorrelation will be performed to determine associations between the various factors. Results In the District of Columbia, vaccine coverage has not reached the Healthy People 2010 goal of 90%. In 2004, nearly 55% of respondents age 65 and older reported having had a flu shot, a lower percentage than the national mean of 67.8%. By 2008, only 63.1% reported having a flu shot. This study will show the spatial clustering of influenza with respect to various socioeconomic factors and determine specific areas for public health interventions.

Conclusion: Governments and public health officials will use the findings of this study to appropriate resources not only for interventions and reduction in morbidity and mortality, but also to develop policies and strategies for increased vaccine coverage.