Determinants of influenza vaccination in a French primary care population in the post-COVID-19 era.
TL;DR
In this primary care survey, influenza vaccination during the 2022-2023 season was primarily associated with prior influenza vaccination history, suggesting persistence of vaccination practices over time and targeted strategies that reinforce continuity and encourage initiation among previously unvaccinated adults could help improve coverage.
Abstract
Background
Influenza vaccination coverage in France remains suboptimal, with variability across population groups. We assessed demographic and behavioral determinants of influenza vaccination in the post-COVID-19 period among a primary care population in the Haute-Vienne department (Nouvelle-Aquitaine, France).
Methods
We conducted a cross-sectional survey using an anonymous, self-administered questionnaire distributed to adults attending five general-practice sites between May and July 2023. The primary outcome was receipt of the 2022-2023 influenza vaccine. Candidate determinants included age, sex, municipality size, socio-professional category, eligibility criteria (age ≥ 65 years, healthcare-worker status, chronic conditions, or pregnancy), prior influenza vaccination, number of COVID-19 vaccine doses received, and self-reported history of influenza infection. Associations were examined using chi-square tests, Cochran-Armitage trend tests, and univariate logistic regression. Two multivariable logistic regression models were then constructed: a demographic model including age, sex, municipality size, socio-professional category, and the presence of any comorbidity or pregnancy, and a behavioral model including prior influenza vaccination and COVID-19 vaccination status (≥ 3 doses vs. ≤ 2 doses). Adjusted results were expressed as adjusted odds ratios (aOR) with 95% confidence intervals (95% CI).
Results
Among the 800 questionnaires distributed, 432 were returned (participation rate: 54%). Overall, 75.9% of participants met at least one eligibility criterion for influenza vaccination. Influenza vaccination coverage for the 2022-2023 season was 58.3% and differed by municipality size (38.8% in areas with fewer than 5,000 inhabitants; 59.2% in those with 5,000-10,000; and 64.3% in those with more than 10,000, p = 0.0003) and increased with the regularity of prior influenza vaccination (6.7% among never vaccinated, 55.9% among occasional, and 96.6% among annually vaccinated, p < 0.0001). Coverage was also associated with the number of COVID-19 vaccine doses received (p < 0.0001). In the demographic model, age ≥ 65 years was associated with higher vaccination uptake (aOR 8.55, 95% CI 1.88-61.73, p = 0.012), whereas other demographic variables were not independently associated with vaccination uptake. In the behavioral model, prior influenza vaccination was strongly associated with vaccination uptake (aOR 16.20, 95% CI 7.21-36.41 for occasional vs. never and aOR 331.21, 95% CI 122.57-894.99 for annual vs. never; both p < 0.001). Receipt of ≥ 3 COVID-19 vaccine doses was also independently associated with vaccination uptake (aOR 2.64, 95% CI 1.01-6.89, p = 0.047).
Conclusions
In this primary care survey, influenza vaccination during the 2022-2023 season was primarily associated with prior influenza vaccination history, suggesting persistence of vaccination practices over time. Age ≥ 65 years and receipt of ≥ 3 COVID-19 vaccine doses were also independently associated with vaccination uptake, although to a lesser extent. Targeted strategies that reinforce continuity (annual reminders, vaccination offers during routine visits, and co-administration options) and encourage initiation among previously unvaccinated adults could help improve coverage. TRIAL REGISTRATION Not applicable.