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Trends in influenza vaccination in Canada, 1996/1997 to 2005
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Abstract
Objectives
Data sources
Analytical techniques
Main results
Keywords
Authors
Findings
References
Objectives
This article reports recent trends in influenza vaccination rates in Canada, provides data on predictors of vaccination in Canada for 2005, and examines longer-term effects of Ontario's universal influenza immunization program on vaccine uptake.
Data sources
Data are from the 1996/1997 National Population Health Survey (NPHS) and the 2000/2001, 2003, and 2005 Canadian Community Health Survey (CCHS).
Analytical techniques
NPHS and CCHS data were used to estimate influenza vaccination rates of the population aged 12 or older. The Z test was used to assess differences between surveys, and the chi-squared test for trend was used to examine trends over time. Logistic regression was used to identify predictors of vaccination and to compare the odds of being vaccinated in Ontario versus other provinces.
Main results
Nationally, influenza vaccination rates rose from 15% in 1996/1997 to 27% in 2000/2001, stabilized between 2000/2001 and 2003, and increased further to 34% by 2005. Vaccination rates for most high-risk groups still fall short of national targets. Ontarians continue to be more likely to be vaccinated than are residents of any other province, while residents of two of the territories—Nunavut and the Northwest Territories—are even more likely to be vaccinated than are Ontarians.
Keywords
preventive health services, community health services, population-based health planning
Authors
Jeff C. Kwong (416-480-4055 ext 7665; jeff.kwong@ices.on.ca) and Laura C. Rosella are with the Institute for Clinical Evaluative Sciences in Toronto; Helen Johansen is with the Health Information and Research Division at Statistics Canada in Ottawa.
Findings
Annual influenza epidemics continue to place a significant burden on society in terms of morbidity, mortality and lost productivity. For healthy adults and older children, most influenza infections are not severe, but for vulnerable populations such as the elderly, young children, and those with chronic medical conditions, influenza can lead to serious complications and even death. [Full text]
References
