Global Influenza Vaccination Rates and Factors Associated with Influenza Vaccination.

OBJECTIVES Influenza vaccination is an effective method for preventing influenza virus infection. Herein, we performed a meta-analysis to quantify global influenza vaccination rates (IVRs) and the factors influencing its uptake in the general population, individuals with chronic diseases, pregnant women, and healthcare workers. METHODS Related articles were obtained from online databases and screened according to the inclusion criteria. The pooled IVRs were calculated using the random effects model. Subgroup analyses and multivariate meta-regression were performed to determine the factors associated with influenza vaccine uptake. RESULTS We included 522 studies from 68 countries/regions. Most studies were conducted in the European region (247 studies), followed by the Western Pacific (135 studies) and American regions (100 studies). The IVRs in the general population were lower (24.96%, 23.45-26.50%) than in individuals with chronic diseases (41.65%, 40.08-43.23%), healthcare workers (36.57%, 33.74-39.44%), and pregnant women (25.92%, 23.18-28.75%). The IVRs were significantly higher in high-income countries/regions than that in middle-income countries/regions. Countries/regions with free vaccine policy, perception of influenza vaccine efficacy and disease severity, a recommendation from healthcare workers, and having a history of influenza vaccination were positive factors for vaccine uptake (P < 0.01). CONCLUSIONS Overall, global IVRs were low, especially in the general population. The studies on the IVRs, especially for priority populations, should be strengthened in Eastern Mediterranean, South-East Asian, and African regions. Free vaccine policies and the dissemination of continuous awareness campaigns are effective measures to enhance vaccination uptake.