Influenza Vaccine Uptake in a Midwest County: A Collaborative Study

Influenza affects 5-20% people in the United States annually resulting in 31.4 million health care visits, 200,000 hospital admissions, and 36,000 deaths annually (Greenbaum & Meinert, 2009). Despite widely available, inexpensive flu vaccines, only 35% of adults were vaccinated in the 2012-2013 flu season (Kennedy, 2013). Responding to a decrease in reported flu vaccination uptake in a Midwest county, the local health department and college of nursing collaborated to investigate flu vaccination uptake and practices.

This descriptive cross sectional study was conducted with a convenience sample of 1298 residents. Data collection by nursing students at grocery stores and churches, and through online surveys at schools and local businesses occurred over a seven-day period. The majority of the sample was 45-64 years (43%), Caucasian (82%), and female (65%).

Data indicated 45% of those surveyed received the flu vaccine this season. Chi square analysis demonstrated a significant (all ps ≤ .01) association between receiving the vaccine and age, race, and income. Of those not receiving the vaccine, the most frequent concern was about side effects (16%). Chi square analysis demonstrated a significant (all ps < .001) association between concern about side effects and age, race, and gender.

The data assists local public health officials and health care providers to create targeted vaccine outreach campaigns.  Knowledge gained through collaboration will facilitate further work between the university and health department professionals. Results and recommendations for future research will be discussed.