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We evaluated whether Denver neighborhoods with elevated rates of adult hospitalizations for laboratory-confirmed influenza had lower adult coverage with influenza vaccine. Overall vaccine coverage was low. Hospitalization rates were associated with demographic and socioeconomic characteristics. Active immunization of at-risk neighborhoods may be necessary to address disparities in influenza hospitalization rates.

Background Hospitalized immunocompromised (IC) adults with influenza may have worse outcomes than hospitalized non-IC adults. Methods We identified adults hospitalized with laboratory-confirmed influenza during 2011–2015 seasons through CDC’s Influenza Hospitalization Surveillance Network. IC patients had human immunodefiency virus (HIV)/AIDS, cancer, stem cell or organ transplantation, nonsteroid immunosuppressive therapy, immunoglobulin deficiency, asplenia, and/or other rare conditions. We compared demographic and clinical characteristics of IC and non-IC adults using descriptive statistics. Multivariable logistic regression and Cox proportional hazards models controlled for confounding by patient demographic characteristics, pre-existing medical conditions, influenza vaccination, and other factors. Results Among 35 348 adults, 3633 (10%) were IC; cancer (44%), nonsteroid immunosuppressive therapy (44%), and HIV (18%) were most common. IC patients were more likely than non-IC patients to have received influenza vaccination (53% vs 46%; P < .001), and ~85% of both groups received antivirals. In multivariable analysis, IC adults had higher mortality (adjusted odds ratio [aOR], 1.46; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.20–1.76). Intensive care was more likely among IC patients 65–79 years (aOR, 1.25; 95% CI, 1.06–1.48) and those >80 years (aOR, 1.35; 95% CI, 1.06–1.73) compared with non-IC patients in those age groups. IC patients were hospitalized longer (adjusted hazard ratio of discharge, 0.86; 95% CI, .83–.88) and more likely to require mechanical ventilation (aOR, 1.19; 95% CI, 1.05–1.36). Conclusions Substantial morbidity and mortality occurred among IC adults hospitalized with influenza. Influenza vaccination and antiviral administration could be increased in both IC and non-IC adults.