Factors influencing the uptake of influenza vaccination in African American patients with heart failure: Findings from a large urban public hospital.

BACKGROUND

Evidence suggests that annual influenza vaccination may prevent acute heart failure exacerbation episodes and improve survival.

OBJECTIVE

Determine the influenza vaccination rate among African American patients with heart failure and identify predictors of uptake.

METHODS

African American patients with heart failure were recruited at Grady Memorial Hospital, Atlanta GA between October 1, 2017 and April 28, 2018 (N = 281). All participants completed a questionnaire.

RESULTS

Mean age of the sample was 50.5 ± 11.5 years (58% male). The influenza vaccination rate among the patients was 46% (n = 129/281). Patients who received vaccination information and recommendation from their physician, especially cardiologists, were significantly more likely to be vaccinated than those who did not (P<0.05). Major reasons for declining vaccination included fear of getting sick from influenza vaccine and distrust of the pharmaceutical companies that produce vaccines.

CONCLUSIONS

Recommendation of influenza vaccines by physicians during medical consultations and cardiology visits may improve uptake rates in heart failure patients.