Background Annual influenza vaccination rates remain low in the Western Pacific region despite widespread availability. This study aims to explore the influence of healthcare and social contacts on the uptake of influenza vaccination by community-dwelling adults. Methods A nationally representative population-based survey was conducted among 2004 Singapore residents aged ≥21 years between November 2020 and January 2021. Multivariable logistic regression analyses were performed to assess the association between healthcare and social contacts and influenza vaccination uptake. Results Among the respondents, only 20.2% received influenza vaccination in the preceding year. Those who received the vaccination were more likely to have general trust in doctors (mean score, SD: 31.38, 4.75 vs 30.67, 4.77; P = 0.008) and higher health information orientation (mean score, SD: 32.08, 4.13 vs 30.97, 4.08; P < 0.001). After adjusting for confounders, those with a regular doctor (aOR 1.46; 95% CI 1.14–1.87; P = 0.002) and a high-level of health information orientation (aOR 1.06; 95% CI 1.03,1.09; P < 0.001) were more likely to have received influenza vaccination in the preceding year. In contrast, those aged 40–64 years (aOR 0.61; 95% CI 0.47–0.79; P < 0.001) were least likely to have received influenza vaccination in the preceding year. For those without chronic diseases, having friends to discuss health issues with were almost twice as likely as those not having such friends to have received influenza vaccination in the preceding year (aOR 1.87; 95% CI 1.34–2.62; P < 0.001). Conclusion Sustaining healthcare contacts through regular doctors can increase influenza vaccination by adults. Additionally, facilitating health discussions among friends can particularly benefit those without chronic diseases.
Fernandez et al. (Fri,) studied this question.