A cross-sectional study of vaccination behavior and willingness regarding respiratory disease-related vaccines among the elderly in Beijing, China.

Abstract

This study aimed to determine the coverage of the 23-valent pneumococcal polysaccharide vaccine (PPV23) and the influenza vaccine, along with related factors, among elderly individuals aged 60 y and above in the capital urban of China. In 2023, 14 out of 43 streets or townships in Chaoyang District were selected using a random sampling method. Elderly participants completed a questionnaire. Logistic regression analysis was employed to identify influencing factors. Among 1,422 respondents, 235 (16.53%) had received the PPV23 vaccine; 747 (52.53%) expressed willingness but had not yet been vaccinated; and 440 (30.94%) indicated unwillingness. Influenza vaccine coverage was higher than that of PPV23: 437 respondents (30.73%) received annual influenza vaccination; 385 (27.07%) were willing but did not consistently receive the vaccine annually; 284 (19.97%) were willing but had not yet been vaccinated; and 316 (22.22%) explicitly refused influenza vaccination. The primary reason for refusal among unwilling participants for both vaccines was the perception that vaccination was unnecessary. For those willing but not ultimately vaccinated, the most frequent reason was lack of awareness regarding available vaccination services. Groups more likely to receive PPV23 and influenza vaccines included individuals who frequently experienced influenza and those recommended by medical staff. These groups also showed a greater inclination to continue influenza vaccination. It is imperative to strengthen community health education on these vaccines, encourage uptake among residents and healthcare professionals, and actively promote the benefits and convenience of PPV23 vaccination.