Factors Associated With Repeat Pediatric Influenza Vaccination Among Inconsistent Vaccinators

• Published in: Clinical pediatrics p. 99228241286970
• Main Authors: Abraham, Claire, Gilkey, Melissa B, Walsh, Kathleen E, Hickingbotham, Madison R, Galbraith, Alison A
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: United States 18-10-2024
• Subjects: influenza; vaccine hesitancy; influenza vaccine; vaccine acceptance
• ISSN: 0009-9228; 1938-2707; 1938-2707
• DOI: 10.1177/00099228241286970

Promoting consistent vaccination practices may help improve suboptimal influenza vaccination rates. This study evaluated the prevalence and correlates of repeat influenza (flu) vaccination among children who had previously received the vaccine inconsistently. An online survey study was conducted in 2022 among parents of commercially insured children ages 3 to 19 years who were previously inconsistently vaccinated. Of 317 respondents, 85% reported that their child received a flu vaccine in the 2021 to 2022 flu season. Among these parents, 61% reported concern that their child would get sick from flu as the most important reason for vaccinating. Repeat vaccination was less likely among parents who reported that school/daycare requirements were a reason for vaccinating in the prior season (odd ratio [OR] = 0.17, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 0.05-0.55). Our findings suggest that school policies may improve vaccination rates among inconsistent vaccinators.