ABSTRACT
Background: The most recent nationally representative study of factors associated with flu vaccine take up to date is based on the 2009 National H1N1 Flu Survey. This study found that workers who have paid sick leave are more likely to get flu vaccine controlling for sociodemographic characteristics and industry and occupation. In addition to a wide range of socioeconomic characteristics, two important factors in vaccine take up are the likelihood of being infected and needing substantial care, and attitudes toward medical care and health. As proxies for flu risk, we include medical conditions considered high risk for flu and the presence in the household of other family members with such medical conditions. As proxies for attitudes we include, agreement with the following statements: “I do not need health insurance,” and “I can overcome illness without help from a medically trained person.” Another proxy for attitudes that we consider, among adults living with children, is whether their children had any vaccinations during the year. Determinants and patterns of flu vaccine take up among adults may have broader applicability to decisions regarding other vaccines, and may potentially inform efforts to promote take up of Covid-19 vaccination among the adult population.
Study Objectives: Examine the relation between flu vaccine take up among adults and a range of factors including self-reliant health attitudes, other measures of risk and socioeconomic characteristics.
Data and Methods:
2014-2016 Medical Expenditure Panel Survey, the latest years in which both flu vaccination and health-related attitude data are available.
Multivariate logistic regressions for flu vaccine take up in the past twelve months among non-elderly adults (age 18-64) by health related attitudes and other socio-demographic variables.
Preliminary Results: In 2014-2016, 36.3% of adults, on average, got a flu vaccination. Adults without self-reliant health attitudes (i.e., ability to overcome illness without help from a medically trained person) are approximately 30 percent more likely to have flu vaccinations. Adults with diabetes, asthma, high cholesterol, emphysema, heart disease, cancer or high blood pressure are more likely to get flu shots, (ranging from 48 percent more likely for diabetes to 15 percent more likely for high blood pressure). Adults living in households with other family members with one of these priority conditions are 16 Berpercent more likely to get flu shots compared to adults living in households in which no family member has these conditions. Adults with children in the household with vaccination are approximately 40 percent more likely to have flu shots compared to all other adults. Presence of elderly adults in the household, having paid sick leave among workers and working in education, health and social service – related industries increase the probability of flu shots. Compared to Whites, Asians are more and Blacks and Hispanics are less likely to get flu shots. Adults with a usual source of care are approximately 50 percent more likely to get flu shots.