Seasonal influenza vaccination among Mexican migrants traveling through the Mexico-US border region

Prev Med. 2015 Feb:71:57-60. doi: 10.1016/j.ypmed.2014.12.004. Epub 2014 Dec 13.

Abstract

Objective: Mobile populations are at high risk for communicable diseases and can serve as a bridge between sending and receiving communities. The objective of this study is to determine the rates of, and factors associated with, seasonal influenza vaccination among Mexican migrants traveling through the US-Mexico border.

Methods: We used a 2013 cross-sectional population-based survey of adult mobile Mexican migrants traveling through the Mexico-US border region (N=2313; weighted N=652,500). We performed a multivariable logistic regression analysis to model the odds of receiving an influenza vaccination in the past year by sociodemographics, migration history, health status, and access to health care.

Results: The seasonal influenza vaccination rate in this population was 18.6%. Gender, health status, and health insurance were associated with the likelihood to receive an influenza vaccination.

Conclusion: Overall, the rates of seasonal influenza vaccination in circular Mexican migrants are low compared to adults in Mexico and the US Efforts are needed to increase influenza vaccination among this highly mobile population, particularly in adults with chronic conditions.

Keywords: Border health; Health care; Influenza; Mexican migrants; Vaccination.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Aged
  • Cross-Sectional Studies
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Influenza Vaccines / administration & dosage*
  • Influenza, Human / ethnology
  • Influenza, Human / prevention & control*
  • Logistic Models
  • Male
  • Mexico / ethnology
  • Middle Aged
  • Sex Distribution
  • Transients and Migrants / psychology
  • Transients and Migrants / statistics & numerical data*
  • Tourismus
  • Vereinigte Staaten
  • Vaccination / statistics & numerical data*
  • Young Adult

Substances

  • Influenza Vaccines