Influenza vaccination among cardiovascular disease sufferers in Spain: related factors and trend, 1993-2003

Vaccine. 2006 Jun 5;24(23):5073-82. doi: 10.1016/j.vaccine.2006.03.036. Epub 2006 Mar 29.

Abstract

Based on data drawn from the 1993 and 2003 National Health Surveys (NHS), we sought to: estimate influenza vaccination coverages among Spanish cardiovascular disease (CVD) sufferers; study which variables were associated with the likelihood of being vaccinated; analyze the time-trend in coverage for the period 1993-2003. For study purposes, a CVD sufferer was defined as any adult who reported suffering from high blood pressure and/or heart disease. The proportion of vaccinated adult CVD sufferers in 1993 and 2003 totalled 39.96% and 51.73%, respectively. The following variables increased the likelihood of being vaccinated: higher age; male gender; presence of respiratory chronic diseases; non-smoker status. Coverages for CVD sufferers had improved significantly from 1993 to 2003 but still remain below desirable levels. The improvement over time is mainly due to the subgroup aged >64 years. Strategies must be implemented to improve the use of influenza vaccine among CVD sufferers in Spain in general, and among the younger age-groups in particular.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Adult
  • Aged
  • Cardiovascular Diseases / epidemiology*
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Influenza Vaccines / administration & dosage*
  • Influenza, Human / prevention & control*
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Spain / epidemiology
  • Vaccination / statistics & numerical data*
  • Vaccination / trends*

Substances

  • Influenza Vaccines