Uptake of 2009 H1N1 vaccine among adolescent females

Background: The public health response to the threat of pandemic influenza A (H1N1) virus during the 2009-2010 influenza season was extensive. To better understand the lower than expected vaccine uptake, we aimed to characterize correlates of 2009 H1N1 vaccination among adolescent females in the US and examine accessibility of the vaccine to parents. Results: Overall, 22% (221/944) of mothers indicated their daughters had received 2009 H1N1 vaccine. H1N1 vaccination was higher among daughters who had received 2009 seasonal influenza vaccine (49% vs. 11%, OR = 7.00, 95% CI: 4.18-11.73) or whose mothers expressed higher trust in their daughters' healthcare providers (26% vs. 11%, OR = 2.28, 95% CI: 1.10-4.73). Among mothers of unvaccinated daughters, 20% (150/723) indicated they wanted to get their daughters 2009 H1N1 vaccine but were unable to. Vaccination among daughters and accessibility of the vaccine to parents did not differ by race, socioeconomic status or health insurance status. Discussion: One explanation for the lower than expected uptake of 2009 H1N1 vaccine is that many parents were unable to get their daughters the vaccine despite wanting to do so. Concomitant administration with seasonal influenza vaccine may increase uptake of novel influenza vaccines. Methods: We collected data from a national sample of mothers of adolescent females ages 11-14 years (n = 944) during December 2009 using an online survey.