June 2008  

Despite being at increased risk of influenza-related complications, almost two-thirds of people with asthma in the US are not vaccinated against influenza each year, according to an analysis of data from the 2005-2006 influenza season. The findings come from a study of 1248 subjects with asthma who completed the 2006 National Health Interview Survey. Just 36 percent of respondents were vaccinated against influenza between September 2005 and February 2006. The vaccine coverage rate did improve slightly if patients had experienced asthma problems. The findings suggest that more needs to be done to achieve the Healthy People 2010 goal of influenza vaccine coverage of at least 60 percent among individuals with high-risk conditions, the researchers stated.

Content Updated (Wednesday, 9 June 2008)