Annual Flu Shot Rates among Persons 18 and Older in the U.S. Civilian Noninstitutionalized Population, 2003. Statistical Brief Number 114

摘要

Influenza is a contagious viral infection of the nose, throat, and lungs. Flu complications can include bacterial pneumonia, dehy-dration, and worsening of chronic medical conditions, such as congestive heart failure, asthma, or diabetes. Flu season can begin as early as October and end as late as May. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommend that persons who are at high risk of having serious flu complications get vaccinated each year. This includes all persons 65 years of age and older and persons with certain chronic conditions that weaken their ability to fight flu and its complications. Since many persons 5064 years of age have one or more medical conditions that would place them at increased risk for serious complications from the flu, it is also recommended that all persons in this age group get yearly flu shots. This Statistical Brief uses data from the Household Component of the Medical Expenditure Panel Survey (MEPS-HC) for 2003 to examine receipt of annual flu shots for adults 18 or older in the U.S. civilian noninstitutionalized population. The brief compares the percentages of persons getting an annual flu shot by various demographic characteristics and health status. All comparisons discussed in the text are statistically significant at the .05 level unless otherwise noted.