Elderly people's beliefs about influenza vaccination

Influenza is an important cause of death in the elderly. The uptake of influenza vaccination, despite its effectiveness, is low.

To examine beliefs about influenza vaccination in elderly patients at risk from influenza.

A qualitative study using semi-structured interviews with 50 patients aged over 75 years at risk from influenza, equally divided between vaccinated and non-vaccinated groups.

Although they acknowledged their medical diseases, the patients regarded themselves as healthy in the sense of being independent and active. Few in either the vaccinated or non-vaccinated groups believed themselves at risk of dying from influenza even though they recognized it could be fatal for particular groups of people. Decisions to have the vaccination were based on other considerations, including whether it was thought likely to reduce (or increase) the number and severity of colds and influenza-like illnesses. Although the group with negative views towards vaccination placed more emphasis on the 'side-effects' from the vaccination (including colds and influenza), this was also common in the group who were more positive towards vaccination; however, the side-effects were interpreted in different ways.

Recommendations to vaccinate according to individual risk status are not in keeping with lay beliefs. The policy to include all people aged 75 years and older as a group requiring influenza vaccination is supported by this study. The evidence that vaccination reduces morbidity from influenza and does not cause colds and influenza needs stressing.