Seasonal Influenza Vaccination Disparities Between U.S. Non-Hispanic Whites and Hispanics, 2000-2009

Author

Andrew E. Burger, Utah State University

Date of Award:

12-2011

Document Type:

Thesis

Degree Name:

Master of Science (MS)

Department:

Sociology and Anthropology

Department name when degree awarded

Sociology

Committee Chair(s)

Eric Reither

Committee

Eric Reither

Committee

Michael B. Toney

Committee

E. Helen Berry

Committee

H. Reed Geertsen

Abstract

Seasonal influenza produces substantial disease within the United States every year. Despite the availability of safe and effective vaccines for influenza, millions of individuals go unvaccinated each flu season, with notable differences across racial/ethnic groups. Using the Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System (BRFSS), I examine vaccination rates among non-Hispanic whites and Hispanics during the 2000-2009 influenza seasons. After developing a new method that addresses shortcomings of BRFSS vaccination measures, I find that non-Hispanic whites exhibit higher vaccination rates than Hispanics. Through a series of logistic regression models I show that the disparities between non-Hispanic whites and Hispanics narrow after controlling for healthcare coverage and socioeconomic characteristics. This suggests that seasonal influenza vaccination may be improved among U.S. Hispanics by addressing structural barriers in receiving the vaccine, especially access to health care.

Checksum

026df4061cd6fcc205539b62a340a382

Comments

Publication made available electronically December 21, 2011.

Recommended Citation

Burger, Andrew E., "Seasonal Influenza Vaccination Disparities Between U.S. Non-Hispanic Whites and Hispanics, 2000-2009" (2011). All Graduate Theses and Dissertations, Spring 1920 to Summer 2023. 1081.
https://digitalcommons.usu.edu/etd/1081