Correlates of influenza vaccine uptake in persons with dementia in Canada

Abstract

As the Canadian population ages and rates of aging-related disorders increase, it is important to find medical interventions that promote health. Dementia is becoming an increasing concern among Canadians, accompanying an increased risk of all infections and a greater chance of adverse health effects following infection. This makes it incredibly important to ensure that persons with dementia are receiving a seasonal influenza vaccination. However, influenza vaccine uptake in persons with dementia remains below the recommended rate of vaccination. The current study examined how the presence of comorbidities may impact the rate of influenza vaccination among persons with dementia. Key comorbidities relating to dementia include Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD), heart disease, diabetes, and high blood pressure. As influenza vaccination for dementia patients is an important protective factor, it is important to implement routine care that may increase vaccination rates. Data was drawn from the Canadian Community Health Survey (CCHS) 2015-2016 and the indirect measure of Cognitive status scored 4-6 was used to represent the dementia population. Information from 130 000 Canadians was available; however, only 418 Canadians met the cognitive status restrictions and were included in the study. Chi-squared tests were used to test variable relationships. The presence of heart disease and COPD were both associated with a significantly higher vaccination rate. However, the relation to routine care was insignificant. These findings are interesting, as it raises the question of why heart disease and COPD raised vaccination rates if not due to routine care. Continuing research with the dementia population is needed to find ways to promote protective vaccination such as the seasonal flu shot.