Factors associated with influenza vaccine noncompliance at a Rural Texas University.

To investigate influenza vaccination rates and perceptions underlying vaccine noncompliance. Participants included undergraduate students (N = 365) at a rural, medium-sized university in Texas. Students were anonymously surveyed in the spring of 2018 on demographics, insurance status, perceived barriers of influenza vaccination, and vaccination status. Nearly 90% of students had health insurance; however, only 30% of them received the influenza vaccination annually. The top two reasons for non-vaccination were the low perceived threat (20.20%) and having a busy schedule (11.10%). Having health insurance [OR: 2.84, CI: (1.16, 7.0)] and being in the younger age group (18-24) [OR: 1.98, CI: (1.11, 3.54)] were both positively associated with the annual vaccination status. Health education efforts should be focused on vaccination initiatives that increase awareness about the health benefits and ease of access, especially among the older age groups (> =25 years). Information on myths versus facts should also be disseminated.