How influenza vaccination changed over the COVID-19 pandemic?

BackgroundVaccination for seasonal influenzas is particularly important during the COVID-19 pandemic, but the influenza vaccination coverage in the U.S. was far lower than the targeted rate. ObjectiveTo examine how peoples actual uptake of the influenza vaccine and the disparity of the vaccination changed during the pandemic. MethodsA survey was conducted online in November 2022. Respondents were asked for influenza vaccination during each of the three latest seasons, prior influenza vaccination history, and COVID-19 vaccination. A linear regression model was used to estimate how the respondents change in influenza vaccination was associated with their demographics, COVID-19 vaccination status, and other related variables. ResultsNearly 70% of US adults had influenza vaccine each season during past the three seasons of the COVID-19 pandemic. The prevalence of influenza vaccination varied markedly across demographics. Non-Hispanic Black, Hispanic, and people with low educational attainment were more likely to see relatively negative changes in their level of influenza vaccination. Respondents who uptook their COVID-19 vaccine in 2022 increased their level of influenza vaccine more than those who uptook the vaccine in 2021. ConclusionsOur study indicated that influenza vaccination increased during the pandemic compared with before the pandemic. The disparity of influenza vaccination by race/ethnicity and socioeconomic status may enlarge during the pandemic. Tailored interventions were needed to target some groups to promote their vaccination uptake.