Flu Vaccine Coverage Well Below Healthy People 2020 Objectives

Researchers with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) have found that influenza vaccination coverage is well below the Healthy People 2020 objectives. The researchers analyzed data from 12,000 adults aged 18 to 64 during the 2008-2009 influenza season, taken from the 2009 National Health Interview Survey. Overall influenza vaccination coverage during the study period for adults aged 18 to 64 years was 28.2 percent, but it was significantly higher among adults aged 50 to 64 years than among those aged 18 to 49 years. Coverage among adults with high-risk conditions was 41.4 percent. Healthcare personnel had significantly higher influenza vaccination coverage (53 percent) compared with those who were not healthcare personnel (25.8 percent). And adults who had insurance were more likely to get the seasonal vaccine.

CDC researchers said their findings show insurance alone may not be enough to achieve the objectives set for influenza vaccination levels. They suggested that vaccine access and coverage could be improved by other provisions of the Affordable Care Act, such as increased payments for primary care services and coverage without cost sharing for recommended vaccines.