Background: This study aimed to estimate influenza-like illness (ILI) prevalence, influenza-related healthcare seeking behaviors, and willingness for vaccination.
Methods: A retrospective cross-sectional study based on a random dialing telephone survey was conducted from October 2017 through March 2018 to assess influenza-like illness prevalence and vaccination willingness among different demographic groups.
Results: 10,045 individuals were enrolled and completed the survey. A total of 2834 individuals (28%) self-reported that they have suffered from influenza-like illness, especially children under 15 years of age. Overall willingness for influenza vaccination in the 2018/2019 influenza season was 45% and was positively associated with higher education level, recommendation from doctors, cost-free vaccination, and vaccination campaigns with employers' support. Hospitalization and seeking medicine from pharmacies was less frequent in urban locations. People under 15 and over 60 years of age sought medical service more frequently.
Conclusions: ILI prevalence differed significantly by age and geographical location/population density. Vaccination policy for motivating key populations at highest risk to vaccinate should take into consideration the awareness-raising of vaccination benefits, barriers reduction of vaccination such as cost, and recommendation via healthcare professionals.
Keywords: China; influenza; influenza vaccine; knowledge, attitudes, and behaviors (KAB); telephone survey; vaccine willingness.