Influenza awareness, vaccination rates, and influencing factors among rural elderly population: a population-based cross-sectional study

Influenza-related respiratory diseases account for approximately 88,000 deaths annually in China. Vaccination against influenza is the most effective measure to prevent the virus and its potentially severe complications. This study aims to assess influenza awareness, vaccination coverage, and factors influencing vaccination uptake among rural populations in northern China after the COVID-19 pandemic. A cross-sectional study was conducted from June 1 to June 20, 2020, targeting older population residents aged 60 years and above in rural areas of Tianjin, China. A total of 1265 participants were enrolled. Data were collected through pre-designed, face-to-face questionnaires, encompassing demographic information, physical examination results, medical history, awareness of influenza, and vaccination status. The study analyzed the levels of influenza awareness, vaccination rates, and factors associated with vaccine uptake. The influenza awareness rate among participants was 84.9%, while the 5-year vaccination rate was notably low at 7.4%. Participants with coronary heart disease (CHD) exhibited significantly higher 5-year vaccination rates compared to those without CHD (OR = 2.625, 95% CI: 1.564–4.405, p < 0.001). Additionally, participants in the medium (OR = 6.096, 95% CI: 1.854–20.041, p = 0.003) and high (OR = 7.179, 95% CI: 2.211–23.305, p = 0.001) awareness groups were more likely to be vaccinated compared to those in the low awareness group. Addressing factors that influence 5-year vaccination rates and enhancing awareness can substantially improve vaccine coverage, thereby mitigating the burden of influenza-related diseases. Future public health strategies should prioritize comprehensive vaccination programs and ongoing education to achieve higher vaccination rates and improved health outcomes for the rural older population.