Coverage rate of influenza vaccination in the elderly in Taizhou, Zhejiang

  Objective  To understand the coverage rate of influenza vaccination in people aged ≥60 years in Taizhou, Zhejiang.

  Methods  All the elderly aged ≥60 years in Taizhou were the study subjects. The basic data of all the elder people aged ≥60 years were obtained through immunization program information system of Zhejiang province and chronic disease information system of Taizhou.

  Results  The coverage rate of influenza vaccination was 42.36% (473 456/1 117 667) in the elderly aged ≥60 years in Taizhou in 2018. There were significant differences in the coverage rate among different age groups ( χ²=23 561.103, P<0.001) and the coverage rate decreased with the age ( χ²=23 326.480, P<0.001). The coverage rate of influenza vaccination in women was higher than that in men ( χ²=1 041.805, P<0.001). The area distribution showed the coverage rate of influenza vaccination in urban areas (Jiaojiang, Huangyan and Luqiao) was higher than that in Sanmen, Tiantai and Xianju counties, and the coverage rate in Linhai, Wenling and Yuhuan counties was lowest (P<0.001). The continuous vaccination rate was 71.37% (30 794/43 148) in Jiaojiang district between 2017 and 2018. The coverage rates of influenza vaccination in the elderly with coronary heart disease or stroke were 59.98% and 87.30%, which were higher than overall coverage rate (42.36%). The coverage rates of influenza vaccination for the elderly with malignant tumor or diabetes were 41.66% and 28.70%, which were lower than the overall coverage rate (P<0.001). The coverage rate of influenza vaccination in the elderly with coronary heart disease or stroke was higher than that in the elderly without coronary heart disease or stroke, whereas the coverage rate of influenza vaccination in the elderly with diabetes or malignant tumor was lower than that in the elderly without diabetes or malignant tumor, and the difference was significant (P<0.001).

  Conclusion  The coverage rate of influenza vaccination in the elderly in Taizhou differed with population. Further study on influencing factors should be carried out for the improvement of influenza vaccination in the elderly.