Background: Reported immunization rates for influenza & pneumococcus (I&P) among seniors range from 23% to 86%. However, no data are available on immunizations rates & associated knowledge, attitudes, & beliefs of low-income seniors living in public housing developments. Methods: In 1998, a convenience sample of 241 residents > 61 years of age in low-income housing developments was identified. A survey to obtain information on demographics, medical history, self reported vaccination status & knowledge, attitudes & beliefs regarding influenza vaccine was administered. Results: The cohort was 73% female, 45% non-white, 71% > 69 years of age, & 27% foreign born. Most (93%) identified a primary care provider (PCP) & a medical visit during the last 6 months (86%). Reported medical conditions included hypertension (48%), diabetes (24%), & respiratory problems (23%). 71% reported receipt of influenza vaccine in the past year & 59% reported pneumococcal vaccination. Only 150/241 (62%) reported any knowledge of pneumococcal vaccine. PCP were the major source of information regarding influenza (64%) & pneumococcal (70%) vaccine; however, PCP provided the vaccine for only 44% of influenza & 53% of pneumococcal recipients. By multivariate analysis, factors significantly associated with receipt of influenza vaccine were: PCP encouragement (OR 2.4; pvalue .0004) & perceived flu vaccine efficacy (OR 1.5; pvalue .04). Conclusions: In this low-income elderly cohort, PCP played a key role in influencing immunization choices. However, many seniors still lack information about pneumococcal vaccine. Strategies that enlist PCP support for adult immunizations can increase I&P vaccine rates in low-income elderly populations.
Learning Objectives: Identify two factors related to receipt of influenza vaccine among low income seniors in housing developments
Keywords: Elderly, Immunizations
Presenting author's disclosure statement:
Organization/institution whose products or services will be discussed: None
I do not have any significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.