Objective. To determine predictors of influenza virus vaccination status in
children who are hospitalized during the influenza season.
Methods. A cross-sectional study was conducted among children who were hosp
italized with fever between 6 months and 3 years of age or with respiratory
symptoms between 6 months and 18 years of age. The 1999 to 2000 influenza
vaccination status of hospitalized children and potential factors that infl
uence decisions to vaccinate were obtained from a questionnaire administere
d to parents/guardians.
Results. Influenza vaccination rates for hospitalized children with and wit
hout high-risk medical conditions were 31% and 14%, respectively. For both
groups of children, the vaccination status was strongly influenced by recom
mendations from physicians. More than 70% of children were vaccinated if a
physician had recommended the influenza vaccine, whereas only 3% were vacci
nated if a physician had not. Lack of awareness that children can receive t
he influenza vaccine was a commonly cited reason for nonvaccination.
Conclusions. A minority of hospitalized children with high-risk conditions
had received the influenza vaccine. However, parents' recalling that a clin
ician had recommended the vaccine had a positive impact on the vaccination
status of children.