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Publications

Journal Article Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't Ppublish 20 citations

PubMed: 36182616 DOI: 10.1016/j.vaccine.2022.09.016

Declining influenza vaccination rates in an underserved pediatric primary care center during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Vaccine 40(44):6391-6396

Authors: Melissa E Day, Melissa Klein, Heidi Sucharew, Mary Carol Burkhardt, Allison Reyner, Destiney Giles, Andrew F Beck, Elizabeth P Schlaudecker

Affiliations

  • Department of Pediatrics, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, OH, United States.
  • Division of General Pediatrics, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, OH, United States; Department of Pediatrics, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, OH, United States.
  • Department of Pediatrics, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, OH, United States; Division of Biostatistics and Epidemiology, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, OH, United States.
  • James M. Anderson Center for Health Systems Excellence, Cincinnati, OH, USA.
  • Department of Pediatrics, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, OH, United States.
  • Department of Pediatrics, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, OH, United States; Division of Infectious Diseases, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, OH, United States.

Abstract

BACKGROUND

Influenza vaccination rates are decreasing in the United States. Disinformation surrounding COVID-related public health protections and SARS-CoV-2 vaccine roll-out may have unintended consequences impacting pediatric influenza vaccination.We assessed influenza vaccination rates before and during the COVID-19 pandemic in one pediatric primary care center, serving a minoritized population.

METHODS

A cross-sectional study assessed influenza vaccination rates for children aged 6 months to 12 years over the following influenza seasons (September-May): 1) 2018-19 and 2019-20 (pre-pandemic), and 2) 2020-21 and 2021-22 (intra-pandemic). Demographics and responses to social risk questionnaires were extracted from electronic health records. Total tetanus vaccinations across influenza seasons served as approximations of general vaccination rates. Generalized linear regression models with robust standard errors evaluated differences in demographics, social risks, and influenza vaccination rates by season. Multivariable logistic regression with robust standard errors evaluated associations between influenza season, demographics, social risks, and influenza vaccination.

RESULTS

Most patients were young (mean age ∼ 6 years), non-Hispanic Black (∼80%), and publicly insured (∼90%). Forty-two percent of patients eligible to receive the influenza vaccine who were seen in 2019-20 influenza season received the influenza vaccine, compared to 30% in 2021-22. Influenza and tetanus vaccination rates decreased during the COVID-19 pandemic (p < 0.01). The 2020-21 and 2021-22 influenza seasons, older age, Black race, and self-pay were associated with decreased influenza vaccine administration (p < 0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

Influenza vaccination rates within one pediatric primary care center decreased during the COVID-19 pandemic and have not rebounded, particularly for older children, those identifying as Black, and those without insurance.

MeSH

Vaccines, Vaccination, Covid-19, Influenza, Human, Influenza Vaccines, Pandemics, Demography, Child, Tetanus

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