Abstract

Warning View the most recent version.

Archived Content

Information identified as archived is provided for reference, research or recordkeeping purposes. It is not subject to the Government of Canada Web Standards and has not been altered or updated since it was archived. Please "contact us" to request a format other than those available.

Archived

This page has been archived on the Web.

Background

In Canada, vaccine coverage for seasonal influenza remains below targets. Few studies have sought to determine the sociodemographic factors associated with non-vaccination using a Canada-wide survey. This study aims to identify the determinants of, and the reasons for, non-vaccination.

Data and methods

Data from the 2013/2014 Canadian Community Health Survey (CCHS) were used. Respondents were divided into three groups: adults aged 18 to 64 years with a chronic medical condition (CMC), adults in the same age group with no CMC, and adults aged 65 years and older. Logistic regressions were used to measure the association between sociodemographic factors and non-vaccination.

Results

Among adults aged 65 years and older, the proportion of non-vaccinated persons was 36.2%. This proportion was higher among adults aged 18 to 64 years with a CMC and those with no CMC (62.2% and 77.8%, respectively). Factors independently associated with non-vaccination in all groups included being young, having a lower level of education, and not having a family doctor. Among adults aged 65 years and older and 18 to 64 years with a CMC, excellent self-perceived health was also associated with non-vaccination. The belief that the vaccine is not necessary was the most common reason for non-vaccination.

Interpretation

Too few Canadians get the influenza vaccine. The main reasons for not getting vaccinated have more to do with personal decision than barriers to access. This illustrates the ongoing need to inform the public about the importance of the vaccine and the risks associated with influenza.

Keywords

adults, Canada, influenza, immunization, vaccination

Findings

Seasonal influenza is a contagious disease that affects millions of Canadians each year. It is an important cause of morbidity and mortality. It is estimated that influenza is responsible for an average of 12,200 hospitalizations and 3,500 deaths in Canada every year. [Full Text]

Authors

Maxime Roy (maxime.roy3@canada.ca), Lindsey Sherrard and Nicolas Gilbert work at the Centre for Immunization and Respiratory Infectious Diseases of the Public Health Agency of Canada in Ottawa, Ontario. Maxime Roy and Nicolas Gilbert are also affiliated with the École de santé publique of the Université de Montréal, in Montréal, Québec. Ève Dubé works at the Institut national de santé publique du Québec, in Québec, Québec.

Start of text box

 

What is already known on this subject?

  • Influenza is an important cause of morbidity and mortality among Canadians.
  • Vaccine coverage for influenza in Canada is below targets.

What does this study add?

  • The proportion of non-vaccinated persons is highest among adults aged 18 to 64 years with no chronic medical condition and lowest among adults aged 65 years and older.
  • Factors independently associated with non-vaccination in all the groups studied included being young, having a lower level of education, and not having a family doctor.
  • The belief that the vaccine was not necessary was the most common reason for non-vaccination.
  • Public health authorities should continue to inform Canadians about the importance and safety of the influenza vaccine and the consequences of influenza-related complications.

End of text box

Date modified: