Influenza is responsible for about 20,000 deaths per year in the U.S. Rate of complications and deaths are highest among the elderly and those with chronic medical problems. The influenza vaccine is a safe and effective means of reducing morbidity and mortality from influenza. The Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices strongly recommends influenza vaccination for persons at increased risk for complications from influenza.
Previous studies suggest racial disparities in influenza vaccine coverage.
The diagnosis of each condition was based on self-report of having been told by a doctor that they had asthma, a previous stroke, previous myocardial infarction, or diabetes. Persons with a diagnosis of diabetes during pregnancy were excluded from the analysis. Coverage was defined as percentage of persons that reported receiving the influenza vaccine in the past year. After adjusting for age using multiple logistic regression the observed differences persisted. The national vaccination coverage for influenza among high-risk adults remains less than optimal.