OBJECTIVES: Vaccinations constitute the cornerstone of preventive interventions. The vaccination schedule in Greece is one of the most “generous” in Europe and ensures free access to a key set of vaccines. However, uptake in adults has been historically suboptimal. The objective of this study was to analyse the factors that affect participation in influenza vaccination for adults in Greece.

METHODS: This analysis uses primary data from a nationally representative cross-sectional health interview survey (“Health and Welfare Survey”) and employs a logistic regression model. The dependent variable is a binary indicator (i.e. whether the respondent was vaccinated against influenza during the previous year). The independent variables of our analysis are: sex, age, level of household financial difficulties, urban/rural place of residence, diagnosis of chronic condition, social insurance status, use of healthcare, preventive services or medications during the previous year, smoking status and intensity of practicing religious beliefs (“religiosity”, measured on a 10-point scale). Results are reported as odds ratios.

RESULTS: In a sample of 1268 individuals (>60 years, according to the indication of the national schedule) 43.8% of respondents were vaccinated against influenza in the previous year. Men (OR: 1.39), older (1.1), and users of healthcare (1.35), preventive services (1.92) or medications (1.44) were more likely to be vaccinated. Former smokers (1.37), insured (3.71) and those with a “religiosity” score of >5 (1.34) were also more likely to be vaccinated. Financial situation, presence of a chronic illness and place of residence (urban/rural) were not statistically significant factors.

CONCLUSIONS: Basic demographics aside, the decision to be vaccinated is associated with the presence of social insurance, the recent contact with health services and the degree of religiosity. The relationship between insurance status and the probability of vaccinations potentially reveals a gap of information, given the free access to the vaccine following age eligibility.