Factors associated with influenza vaccination among the elderly: a cross-sectional study in Cambe, Parana State, Brazil

The aim of this study was to assess influenza immunization coverage in the elderly and the association between vaccination and socioeconomic, demographic, health, and lifestyle variables, using a descriptive cross-sectional epidemiological approach from April 2008 to September 2009 with 990 elderly in Cambe, Parana State, Brazil. Vaccination coverage was 74.6%. The highest vaccination rate was among individuals 70 to 79 years of age [adjusted prevalence ratio (PR) = 1.05] and 80 or older (PR = 1.03), with hypertension, and with monthly income up to 3 times the minimum wage (PR = 1.10) or higher (PR = 1.17) compared to elderly without income. Sedentary elderly (PR = 0.96) adhered less to vaccination, and divorced/separated individuals (PR = 0.92) had lower adherence compared to the married. The results suggest the need for healthcare strategies considering the factors that affect voluntary vaccination in order to help increase the odds of success for immunization programs.