Uptake of Influenza Vaccine among Older Adults with Cardiovascular Comorbidities.

BACKGROUND

Influenza vaccination reduces illness and fatality in older adults, especially those with cardiovascular comorbidities.

OBJECTIVE

To investigate influenza vaccination uptake among community-dwelling older Brazilian patients with cardiovascular comorbidities.

METHODS

This cross-sectional study analyzed data from the ELSI-Brazil Second wave (2019-2021), involving 9,949 older adults. Participants with cardiovascular conditions provided data on influenza vaccination from the previous year. Vaccination-associated factors were identified, with subgroup analyses for each cardiovascular comorbidity. An exploratory analysis investigated the primary reasons for non-vaccination. Statistical significance was determined with a two-sided P-value < 0.05.

RESULTS

This study included 5,296 individuals. Of these, 76.6% reported receiving the influenza vaccine within the year before data collection. Vaccinated individuals were generally older females, widowed, and non-smokers with healthier habits and private healthcare access, although they had higher frailty and cardiovascular comorbidities. Age significantly influenced the likelihood of vaccination across subgroups. In hypertension, private healthcare and good health status increased the odds, while smoking and alcohol consumption reduced them. The most common reasons for not receiving the influenza vaccine were fear of adverse reactions (18.2%), belief in a low-risk infection (14.9%), vaccine unavailability (13.9%), and lack of confidence in its effectiveness (12%).

CONCLUSION

About 24% of older Brazilian adults with cardiovascular conditions remain unvaccinated against influenza, posing severe health risks. Strategies addressing personal beliefs, improving access, and enhancing healthcare provider engagement are crucial. Tailored interventions should align with the population's demographic and health characteristics to overcome these barriers effectively.