Open AccessInfluenza Vaccination Rates, and Barriers to Influenza Vaccination, in People who are Homeless
Author(s) -
Varun Amod Karnik,
Laura K. McCosker,
Martin Downes,
Robert S. Ware,
Jack Kelso-Ribbe,
Jeremy Hunt,
Hannah Bates,
Pele Toussaint
Publication year - 2022
Publication title -
social science protocols
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
ISSN - 2516-8053
DOI - 10.7565/ssp.v5.6938
Subject(s) - vaccination , medicine , environmental health , family medicine , immunology
Background: Influenza is a highly infectious virus which is endemic in most high-income countries. People experiencing homelessness are at an increased risk of contracting influenza, and often have poorer outcomes associated with hospitalisation and mortality. Annual influenza vaccination is recommended for all adults, and highly recommended for ‘at-risk’ groups, including people who are homeless. Despite this, the vaccination uptake within the homeless community is low. This systematic review will identify influenza vaccination rates, and barriers to influenza vaccination, in people who are homeless.
Methods: This review will consider primary studies about influenza vaccination in people who are homeless. Searches will be undertaken on five electronic databases and managed in EndNote X9. The literature will be screened by title/abstract, then by full-text, and citation chaining will be completed. Data about the influenza vaccination rates and barriers will be extracted. Each task, primarily the screening and extraction of data, will be completed by one researcher, and checked by at least one other.
Discussion: This review will identify influenza vaccination rates, and barriers to influenza vaccination, in people experiencing homelessness. This will inform vaccination delivery and funding, and may contribute to reducing the health disparities in this at-risk, hard-to-reach population.