Influenza Vaccine Coverage Lower in Foreign-Born Middle Eastern and North African Children Compared to Other Groups: Results from the 2005-2018 National Health Interview Survey.

INTRODUCTION

Estimates for childhood influenza vaccine are unavailable for Middle Eastern and North African (MENA) populations in the USA because they are masked under the White category. The objective of this study was to estimate the prevalence and odds of childhood influenza vaccine coverage among foreign-born MENA compared to US-born White and foreign-born White, Black, Hispanic, and Asian children.

METHODS

We analyzed 2005-2018 National Health Interview Survey data. Least squares means was used to calculate the age- and sex-adjusted prevalence. Logistic regression was used to estimate the association between the independent variable, nativity and race/ethnicity, and the dependent variable, influenza vaccine coverage.

RESULTS

The prevalence of receiving an influenza vaccine was 35% for both foreign-born MENA and US-born White and 26% for foreign-born White children. In multivariable logistic regression models, foreign-born MENA were not statistically different than US-born White children.

CONCLUSIONS

Future research should include US-born MENA children and better understand attitudes, beliefs, and behaviors around vaccine coverage.