Knowledge, Perceptions, and Self-Reported Rates of Influenza Immunization among Canadians at High Risk from Influenza: A Cross-Sectional Survey

Abstract

The Public Health Agency of Canada recommends that 80% of high-risk persons, including adults aged ≥65 years and 18–64 years with certain comorbidities, be vaccinated against influenza. During the 2022–2023 influenza season, we conducted an online survey of 3000 Canadian residents aged ≥18 years randomly recruited from the Léger Opinion (LEO) consumer panel to assess knowledge and perceptions about influenza vaccination as well as survey self-reported vaccination rates. Overall, 47.3% received an influenza vaccination during the 2022–2023 season. Vaccination rates among persons aged 18–64 years with high-risk medical conditions (n = 686) and among adults aged ≥65 years (n = 708) were 46.4% and 77.4%, respectively; 77.8% and 88.5%, respectively, believed influenza vaccination was important for people at high risk from influenza. Only 35.8% of adults aged 18–64 years with comorbidities were aware of being at high risk; 66.0% of this group was vaccinated against influenza, compared with 37.0% of those unaware of being at high-risk. During 2022–2023, 51.3% of people aged ≥65 years and 43.0% of people aged 18–64 years with comorbidities discussed influenza vaccination with healthcare providers. These findings suggest gaps in education regarding the importance of influenza vaccination among people at risk of influenza complications.