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Influenza and pneumococcal vaccination: patient perceptions
P F Findlay1, Y M Gibbons, W R Primrose
1Department of Medicine for the Elderly, Woodend Hospital, Eday Road, Aberdeen AB15 6LS, UK.
Postgraduate Medical Journal
|March 23, 2000
Summary
Many at-risk elderly patients are not vaccinated against influenza or pneumococcal disease. Poor awareness and misconceptions about vaccine safety hinder uptake, highlighting the need for public education campaigns.
Area of Science:
- Geriatric Medicine
- Immunology
- Public Health
Background:
- Influenza vaccination is proven effective in reducing elderly mortality and hospitalizations.
- A significant proportion of at-risk individuals do not receive the influenza vaccine.
- Elderly patients are also susceptible to pneumococcal infections, with overlapping target demographics for both vaccines.
Purpose of the Study:
- To identify at-risk individuals among geriatric admissions.
- To understand their perceptions regarding influenza and pneumococcal vaccination.
- To assess awareness and vaccination history for both vaccines in this cohort.
Main Methods:
- Consecutive admissions to an acute geriatric unit were assessed.
- Awareness of influenza and pneumococcal vaccines was recorded.
- Vaccination history and patient perceptions were collected and analyzed.
Main Results:
- 74% of patients had heard of the influenza vaccine; only 13% had heard of the pneumococcal vaccine.
- 50% perceived themselves at risk for influenza, with 87% considering it serious.
- 72% believed the influenza vaccine offered good protection, but 50% feared it could cause illness.
Conclusions:
- Influenza is seen as serious, but personal risk and vaccine side effects are concerns.
- Influenza vaccine uptake is suboptimal due to myths and anecdotal information.
- Poor awareness of pneumococcal vaccine in the elderly necessitates a nationwide educational campaign for both vaccines.