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COVID-19

Influenza Vaccination Coverage Among Elderly Patients with Chronic Lung Respiratory Disease in Ningbo, China: Impact of Free Vaccination Policies and the COVID-19 Pandemic

Strategic Insights

— 1 min read

Research conducted at Ningbo University found that elderly patients with chronic lower respiratory diseases (CLRDs) experience increased susceptibility to complications arising from influenza. The study analyzed the longitudinal uptake of influenza vaccination among elderly patients with CLRDs in Ningbo from the 2018/19 season to the 2022/23 season, revealing a significant increase in influenza vaccination rates. The researchers identified behavioral determinants influencing influenza vaccination among elderly CLRD patients under Ningbo's post-pandemic free vaccination policy.

Key Takeaways:

  • The influenza vaccination rate among elderly patients with CLRDs in Ningbo increased significantly from 3.59% in 2018/19 to 43.32% in the 2022/23 influenza season.
  • The COVID-19 pandemic and free vaccination policy significantly promoted influenza vaccine uptake among elderly CLRD patients.
  • The multivariate logistic regression analysis indicated that both the COVID-19 pandemic and free vaccination policy significantly promoted influenza vaccine uptake.
  • Older CLRD patients with comorbidities such as diabetes, hypertension, or cancer exhibited higher influenza vaccination coverage (40.14%).
  • Those who have experienced acute cardiovascular events showed a lower vaccination rate (36.21%).
  • A prior vaccination history significantly influenced uptake, with a higher rate of influenza vaccination (71.12%) among patients with a history of vaccination.

Statistics:

  • 487,309 older patients with CLRDs were included in the analysis for each season.
  • The influenza vaccination rate increased by 39.73% from 2018/19 to 2022/23.
  • The proportion of timely influenza vaccinations prior to November 15 rose from 3.01% before the COVID-19 pandemic to 33.90% during the pandemic period.
  • The COVID-19 pandemic significantly affected influenza vaccination rates, with an increase of 30.89% from pre-pandemic to pandemic periods.

Sources:

  • Research from Ningbo University: "Influenza Vaccination Coverage Among Elderly Patients with Chronic Lung Respiratory Disease in Ningbo, China: Impact of Free Vaccination Policies and the COVID-19 Pandemic." Vaccines, 2025,13(7):705. (Vaccines - http://www.mdpi.com/journal/vaccines).
  • NewsRx report: "Studies from Ningbo University Have Provided New Data on COVID-19 (Influenza Vaccination Coverage Among Elderly Patients with Chronic Lung Respiratory Disease in Ningbo, China: Impact of Free Vaccination Policies and the COVID-19 Pandemic)." Vaccine Weekly. August 13, 2025; p 441.

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