Influenza vaccination coverage and determinants of vaccination among older adults in Turkey.

This study aimed to identify determinants of influenza vaccination among older adults using nationally representative data from the Turkey Older Persons Profile Survey 2023. Data from 11 657 individuals aged 65 and over, collected by the Turkish Statistical Institute, were analysed. Least Absolute Shrinkage and Selection Operator regression was employed for variable selection, followed by binary logistic regression to identify significant predictors. Only 19.4% of older adults reported receiving an influenza vaccine during the 2022/2023 influenza season. Higher education, income sufficiency, social security coverage, regular medication use, physical activity, and use of mobile health (mHealth) applications were significantly associated with higher vaccination uptake. Former smoking, alcohol consumption, older age, higher body mass index, and greater independence in daily living were also positive predictors. Traditional barriers to healthcare access (e.g., transportation, waiting times) were not significantly associated. Regional disparities were evident, with lower vaccination rates in the eastern regions. Vaccine uptake among older adults in Turkey is low despite universal access. Promoting engagement with primary healthcare services and increasing the use of mHealth applications may contribute to increasing vaccination coverage. Special attention should be given to socially disadvantaged groups and underperforming regions to enhance preventive healthcare among the aging population.