Epidemiology and Infection
Volume 145 – Issue 4 – March 2017
http://www.cambridge.org/core/journals/epidemiology-and-infection/latest-issue

Original Papers
Factors associated with influenza vaccine uptake in older adults living in the community in Singapore
L. W. ANG, J. CUTTER, L. JAMES, K. T. GOH
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1017/S0950268816002491
Published online: 08 December 2016, pp. 775-786
Abstract
In Singapore, influenza vaccination is recommended for persons at higher risk of complications of seasonal influenza, including those with chronic medical conditions and the elderly (individuals aged ⩾65 years). We investigated the factors associated with influenza vaccine uptake based on a nationally representative sample of community-dwelling adults aged >50 years. The data for this study were obtained from the National Health Surveillance Survey (NHSS) 2013. The association between influenza vaccine uptake and socio-demographic and health-related variables was analysed using univariable and multivariable logistic regression models. Of 3700 respondents aged ⩾50 years in the NHSS, 15·2% had received seasonal influenza vaccination in the past year. Older age, single marital status and economic inactivity were the socio-demographic variables independently associated with vaccine uptake. Health-related factors which were predictive of influenza vaccine uptake were sufficient total physical activity, better self-rated health, having at least one medical condition at risk of influenza complications and a regular family doctor/general practitioner. Influenza vaccine uptake in community-dwelling older adults was low. Our findings are of relevance in the formulation of public health policies and targeted health promotion strategies to increase vaccine uptake in this population group.