Predictors of universal influenza vaccination uptake in grades 1 and 2 Toronto school children: Effective vaccination strategies should not end with at risk children

The first population-based survey to determine predictors of influenza vaccination among children in a major metropolitan city with access to publicly funded health care and a universal influenza immunization program (UIIP). Previously collected demographic and health related data from 5619 school children aged 5–9 in Toronto, in 2006 were used to predict influenza vaccination. Vaccination was more likely in children with current asthma (OR 1.44, 95%CL 1.19–1.75), a high volume of contacts with a health service provider (OR 1.37, 95%CL 1.14–1.65), foreign born children (OR 1.20, 95%CL 1.01–1.42) and those with the lowest income adequacy (OR 1.37, 95%CL 1.12–1.68). Data from this study will be helpful in designing future influenza vaccination strategies to improve vaccination rates in the entire population.