Influence of measles-mumps-rubella vaccine series initiation and completion on influenza vaccination among adolescents

BACKGROUND: Influenza vaccine participation in adolescents is low. Barriers to the influenza vaccine may be shared with the measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) vaccine. METHODS: We studied adolescents aged 13–17 years who participated in the National Immunization Survey-Teen between 2011 and 2017 (N = 129,200). Data were analyzed to determine whether MMR vaccination status was associated with being up-to-date on the influenza vaccination. RESULTS: A total of 49% adolescents received at least one dose of the influenza vaccine within the past 3 years, and 92% completed the MMR series. In multivariable analysis, not initiating or not completing the MMR series was associated with lower odds of being up-to-date on influenza vaccination. CONCLUSIONS: Adolescents who do not initiate or complete the MMR vaccine series have lower odds of being up-to-date on their influenza vaccination. Lower influenzavaccine participation is associated with lower socioeconomic status, lack of insurance, increased time since last child visit, and higher maternal education.