Influenza vaccine coverage and predictive factors associated with influenza vaccine uptake among pediatric patients

Background Despite recommendations from health care authorities, reports of severe influenza occur yearly among unvaccinated infants and children. Objectives This study investigated influenza vaccine coverage and predictive factors for vaccination status among pediatric patients during the 2016-2017 winter influenza season. Methods A cross-sectional survey was conducted among parents of our study population identified through a major pediatric outpatient clinic in Hong Kong. Parents with a child aged 6 months to 17 years were invited to complete a questionnaire that assessed the current influenza vaccine status of the child and the parents' understanding and beliefs regarding influenza and its vaccine. A backward logistic regression was conducted to determine predictive factors and adjusted odds ratios associated with influenza vaccine uptake. Results Our study included 348 parents and 405 pediatric patients. Of these, 142 pediatric patients (35.1%) received full vaccination. Predictive factors associated with the child's positive influenza vaccine status include a “very good” parental understanding of influenza and its vaccine (adjusted odds ratio, 6.7; 95% confidence interval,  2.1-21.5), a child with chronic medical condition and a “high” cue to action (adjusted odds ratio, 5.7; 95% confidence interval, 2.8-11.6), and a “high” perceived susceptibility toward influenza (adjusted odds ratio, 4.8; 95% confidence interval, 2.1-10.8). Conclusions This study reflects the low influenza vaccine coverage among pediatric patients. Interventions focusing on parental knowledge and understanding of influenza and its vaccine may improve future vaccine uptake among the pediatric population.