The Association Between Receiving the Flu and COVID-19 Vaccines and Related Factors, Data from the StopFlu Campaign in Eight States and the District of Columbia, 2022.

ABSTRACT

Given the evolving nature of the COVID-19 pandemic and the importance of vaccines, it is imperative to understand the relationships between receiving the COVID-19 vaccine and other vaccines, such as the flu vaccine. Data were obtained from a survey as part of an evaluation of the StopFlu Kaiser Permanente media campaign, promoting the flu and COVID-19 vaccines in communities of color across eight states and the District of Columbia. The outcome considered was receiving the COVID-19 vaccine. The exposure considered was receiving the flu vaccine. Covariates included demographic factors, and sources of trusted health information. Overall, 4,185 participants had complete data and were included the analysis. Logistic regression was used to assess the relationship between receiving the flu vaccine and COVID-19 vaccine. Among participants, 77.8% reported receiving the COVID-19 vaccine and 55.4% received the flu vaccine. After adjusting for demographics and sources of trusted health information, participants reporting receiving the flu vaccine had 5.18 times the odds of also receiving the COVID-19 vaccine [Adjusted Odds Ratio (AOR) 5.18 95% Confidence Interval (CI) 4.24-6.32]. Trusting advice from a doctor and healthcare organization also had increased odds of receiving the COVID-19 vaccine. (AOR 1.84 95%CI 1.45-2.33, AOR 2.08 95%CI 1.64-2.63). This study demonstrates that promotion of one vaccine may influence uptake of other vaccines, which is important given the highly politicized nature of the COVID-19 vaccine. Further research could provide more insight into how promotion of a vaccine could impact behavior with regards to another.