Prevalence of influenza vaccination among adults with high-risk conditions, United States, 2019

Background Influenza could be associated with illnesses, severe complications, hospitalizations, and deaths among adults with high-risk medical conditions. Influenza vaccination reduces the risks and complications associated with influenza infection in high-risk conditions. We assessed the prevalence and predictors of influenza vaccination in a national sample of adults with high-risk medical conditions. Methods Using the nationally representative National Health Interview Survey of 2019, we estimated the prevalence of influenza vaccination among adults with high-risk conditions. We tested the associations between receipt of vaccination and sociodemographic predictors with adjusted multivariable logistic regression. Results Out of 15,258 adults with high-risk conditions, 56% reported receiving an influenza vaccine over the previous 12 months. Multivariable regressions show that respondents from older age groups, females, other race/ethnic group, married, higher annual family income, having a health insurance and those with more than two high-risk conditions are more likely to receive the influenza vaccine. However, adults from non-Hispanic Black race/ethnicity and living in the Southern census region are less likely to receive the vaccination. Education levels and living in a metro show no associations with vaccination status. Conclusion State authorities, primary physicians, specialists, and pharmacists have important roles in sensitizing and reminding individuals with high-risk conditions to receive timely vaccination. Similarly, affordability needs to be enhanced for influenza vaccination including better insurance coverage and reduced co-payment.