Influenza, pneumococcal, shingles, and COVID-19 vaccinations among immigrant and non-immigrant older adults in Canada

Project Summary

Older adults are recommended to receive the influenza, pneumococcal, shingles, and COVID-19 vaccines, as older age is a risk factor for acquiring and developing complications from various vaccine-preventable diseases. Although evidence varies, research from other countries suggest that immigrants may have lower vaccine uptake compared to non-immigrants. However, little is known about the vaccination experiences of immigrants in Canada. The aim of this study is to quantify and compare the uptake of routinely recommended and COVID-19 vaccines among immigrant and non-immigrant older adults, and better understand the association between immigrant status and vaccine uptake. Findings of the study will help identify whether vaccine uptake among older adults differs by immigrant status, to contribute to the growing body of research on health disparities, and ultimately inform the design of targeted interventions to improve vaccine uptake in an equal and equitable manner in the future.