Suryadevara M, Bonville CA, Rosenbaum PF, Domachowske JB. Influenza vaccine hesitancy in a low-income community in central New York State.
Hum Vaccin Immunother 2016;
10:2098-103. [PMID:
25424822 DOI:
10.4161/hv.28803]
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Abstract
OBJECTIVE
Influenza vaccine (IV) coverage rates remain suboptimal among US adults. Socioeconomic disparities exist in IV coverage. We describe influenza vaccine attitudes among a low-income community in central New York.
METHODS
Adults attending a Salvation Army function during December 2012 were surveyed regarding IV including their intention to be immunized. On-site IV was offered to eligible participants.
RESULTS
The 1041 participants included Whites (non-Hispanics), African Americans, Hispanics, Native Americans, and multi-racial ethnicities. At time of enrollment, 386 (37%) participants had already received 2012-13 IV. Of the 655 unimmunized participants, 299 (46%) stated intent to receive IV, evenly distributed by age, gender, and ethnicity. Of the 312 participants who declined IV, 46% did so because of IV misperceptions. Of the 299 participants who intended to receive vaccine but had not yet done so, 284 (95%) stated the reason for delay was difficult access to vaccine. Intent to receive vaccine was strongly associated with the belief that IV is safe and/or effective (P < 0.05).
CONCLUSION
IV misperceptions regarding IV efficacy and safety result in suboptimal vaccine uptake in this low-income community, regardless of age, gender, or ethnicity.
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