Coverage of Influenza Vaccination among Elderly in South Korea: A Population Based Cross Sectional Analysis of the Season 2004-2005

Abstract

Background: Influenza vaccine coverage among the elderly is important for informed vaccination policies and programs. There are few studies that define influenza coverage in the elderly in South Korea. The aim of this study is to examine influenza vaccination coverage among those 65 years old and older in South Korea over the 2004-2005 influenza season and to identify the socioeconomic and clinical factors associated with vaccination. Methods: We analyzed data retrieved from The Third Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (KNHANES ) 2005 conducted by the Korea Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Subjects included in this study were older than 65 years. We used questionnaires to obtain information regarding demographics, chronic diseases, and individual health behavioral risk factors. Univariate analysis, logistic regression, and trend test were performed. Results: There were 1,097 persons included in this study. Influenza vaccination among those 65 years old and older was 77.2%. There was no difference of coverage by sex, education level, and income status. For elderly females, the moreunheal thy lifestyle (currently smoking, heavy alcohol use, and no exercise) that was practiced, the less likely they wereto be vaccinated (p for trend=0.007).