Abstract

Background
This study presents current patterns of influenza vaccination among adults in the United States according to selected demographic factors, chronic diseases, and pregnancy status.
Material and Method
Analyses are based on cross-sectional survey data from the Behavior Risk Factor Surveillance System (BRFSS), 2005, 2006, and 2007.
Results
The percentage vaccinated with the flu shot significantly increased over the three study years (26%, 32%, and 37%, respectively). The percentage vaccinated using the flu spray remained near one. Levels of influenza vaccination significantly differed among racial/ethnic groups. Among men, the percentage vaccinated with the flu shot was 32% for whites, 27% for blacks, and 21% for Hispanics. Corresponding percentages for women were 37, 26, and 22. Flu vaccination also significantly increased with age, education, income, healthcare coverage, and presence of chronic disease. A higher percentage of pregnant women in the age range 18-44 were vaccinated than non-pregnant women (24% vs. 20% with the flu shot; 0.7% vs. 1.0% with the flu spray).
Conclusions
Influenza vaccination levels among adults remain lower than the Healthy People 2010 influenza vaccination objectives.

Keywords: Influenza Vaccines - immunology, Chronic Disease, Age Distribution, Adolescent, Pregnancy, United States - epidemiology, Vaccination - statistics & numerical data