This paper examines the correlates of seasonal flu vaccination in Canada between 2000 and 2011. In terms of the socio-economic characteristics of the population that relate to higher take-up, my findings are consistent with the previous literature. Specifically, the most important predictors of vaccination are the risk factors: age and chronic conditions. My results also suggest that both novel respiratory disease outbreaks and provincial immunization program design are important determinants of the seasonal flu vaccine take-up. The absence of a separate vaccine intended to protect from a novel virus during its epidemic could increase the seasonal flu vaccine take-up. In cases when a separate vaccine is offered, the seasonal flu vaccine take-up depends on the timing of vaccines’ delivery and the extent of prior influenza immunization coverage for a specific population subgroup in a province.

Vaccination is regarded by many as the most effective means of reducing influenza infection and disease; however, many people in the United States are hospitalized from flu-related illness each year. Adults 65 years and older account for more than half of these hospitalizations and almost all flu-related deaths. This project aimed to identify barriers to receiving the influenza vaccine among the adult population (> 65 years of age) in a community setting. The goal was to develop a teaching tool that would assist practitioners towards improving influenza vaccination rates among this population. The Health Belief Model was the theoretical framework utilized. The project was conducted at a primary care practice located in a community outside of New York City. Fifty participants (> 65 years) with no prior influenza vaccination were invited to take part in a short survey involving immunization status and reason for lack of influenza vaccination. Participants completed a researcher designed survey in a private location within the practice setting. Descriptive analysis was completed. Results revealed that 45 (32 females and 13 males) participants refused the influenza vaccine based on fear of becoming infected with the flu from the vaccine itself. The remaining 5 (males) participants based their refusal on never having the flu and therefore deemed the vaccine unnecessary. An educational handout was developed to aid in patient education related to influenza vaccination. Future implications involve the utilization of this tool by all healthcare worker and providers, as well as educating the target population in all community settings where influenza vaccines are administered, ultimately reducing the incidences of influenza and its associated complications by overcoming barriers to vaccination.