Global influenza vaccination rates and factors associated with influenza vaccination

OBJECTIVES: Influenza vaccination is an effective method for preventing influenza virus infection. Herein, we performed a meta-analysis to quantify global influenza vaccination rates (IVRs) and the factors influencing its uptake in the general population, individuals with chronic diseases, pregnant women, and healthcare workers. METHODS: Related articles were obtained from online databases and screened according to the inclusion criteria. The pooled IVRs were calculated using the random effects model. Subgroup analyses and multivariate meta-regression were performed to determine the factors associated with influenza vaccine uptake. RESULTS: We included 522 studies from 68 countries/regions. Most studies were conducted in the European region (247 studies), followed by the Western Pacific (135 studies) and American regions (100 studies). The IVRs with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) in the general population were lower (24.96%, 23.45%-26.50%) than in individuals with chronic diseases (41.65%, 40.08%-43.23%), healthcare workers (36.57%, 33.74%-39.44%), and pregnant women (25.92%, 23.18%-28.75%). The IVRs in high-income countries/regions were significantly higher than that in middle-income countries/regions. A free national or regional vaccination policy, perception of influenza vaccine efficacy and disease severity, a recommendation from healthcare workers, and having a history of influenza vaccination were positive factors for vaccine uptake (P <0.01). CONCLUSION: Overall, global IVRs were low, especially in the general population. The studies on the IVRs, especially for priority populations, should be strengthened in Eastern Mediterranean, South-East Asian, and African regions. Free vaccination policies and the dissemination of continuous awareness campaigns are effective measures to enhance vaccination uptake.