Prevalence and factors associated with influenza vaccination of persons over 65 years old in Spain (2009-2014).

BACKGROUND

Influenza is a major public health problem. Achieving 65% coverage in people over 65 years old is a health policy priority in Spain.

OBJECTIVE

To determine the coverage of influenza vaccination in Spain in 2014 for people over 65 years and to analyze the factors associated with coverage and its progression between 2009 and 2014.

METHODS

A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted that included 18,442 non-institutionalized individuals over 65 years who had participated in the National Health Survey in Spain in 2011 and in the European Health Survey in Spain in 2009 and 2014. Socio-demographic variables, health variables, and influenza vaccination data were used. A logistic regression analysis was performed to determine the variables associated with anti-influenza vaccination.

RESULTS

Influenza vaccination coverage has declined from 2009 (74.5%) to 2014 (57.4%). There are significant differences in the vaccination coverage among the different Spanish autonomous communities in the different years studied. Influenza vaccination was associated with males, low social class, and low level of education. There is greater participation in other preventive measures, such as assessing blood pressure, blood glucose, and cholesterol, than in influenza vaccination.

CONCLUSIONS

Fewer people over 65 years old than recommended by the WHO participated in the influenza vaccination campaign in Spain in 2014. This coverage declined progressively from 2009 to 2014.