Influenza Vaccination Status and Its Affecting Factors among Stroke Survivors: Findings from the Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey

Abstract

Few studies have examined the influenza vaccination rates among stroke survivors despite the importance of vaccines in preventing influenza- and stroke-related complications. Thus, we investigated the vaccination rates and the associated factors among stroke survivors using the representative Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey 2014–2018. We measured and compared the vaccination rates of 591 stroke survivors and 17,997 non-stroke survivors. Multivariate logistic regression analyses of all stroke survivors and age subgroups (<65 and ≥65 years) were performed to identify the factors influencing vaccination. The overall vaccination rate was significantly higher in the stroke survivors (64.8%) than in the non-stroke survivors (41.1%), but it was low compared to global standards. Among stroke survivors aged <65 years, the rate was low (37.5%), but it improved in those aged ≥65 years (85.6%). Age ≥ 65 years, the eligible age for the national free vaccination program was the most prominent predictor of vaccination for all stroke survivors, while smoking was a negative predictor. No significant factors were found in the subgroup analyses according to age (<65 and ≥65 years). Therefore, implementing strategic public health policies, such as expanding the free vaccination program to stroke survivors aged <65 years, may improve vaccine coverage.