Assessing influenza and pneumococcal vaccination uptake among Canadian adults: identifying opportunities to improve vaccination coverage

Adults 65 years and older are at increased risk of hospitalization and death due to influenza and pneumonia. In Canada, annual influenza vaccination is recommended for individuals ≥ 65 years and adults with certain chronic medical conditions. The Government of Canada set goals to increase vaccine uptake to 80% for both influenza and pneumococcal vaccines among adults 65 years and older and to increase influenza vaccine uptake to 80% among those 18-64 years with chronic medical conditions by 2025. While studies have estimated influenza and pneumococcal vaccination coverage, additional analyses are needed to identify the characteristics of those who are not receiving influenza and pneumococcal vaccines so that targeted interventions can be designed to increase uptake. The CLSA provides an ideal platform to investigate influenza and pneumococcal vaccine uptake among older adults and adults with chronic medical conditions and to identify risk factors for undervaccination.