Flu vaccines and patient decision making: what we need to know

To describe and compare patient-perceived barriers and motivators and decision-making conflict between two groups of hospitalized patients, those who received flu vaccines and those who did not.

Data collection included extracting data from databases and mailing two surveys to 436 discharged patients. One hundred eight patients participated in the study.

Top motivators for obtaining a flu vaccine included previous vaccination (93%) and provider recommendation (62%). Top barriers included fear of side effects from the vaccine (35%) and fear of contracting the flu (30%). Motivators, barriers, and patient decisional conflict differed depending upon the patient's vaccination status.

Given the potential negative consequences of contracting the flu, prevention is the best strategy. Prevention is contingent upon motivating patients to obtain an annual flu vaccine. Recommending flu vaccinations, offering vaccinations in convenient locations free of charge, and discussing perceived barriers with patients may increase vaccinations among high-risk patients. Helping to clarify the advantages and disadvantages from the patient's perspective may decrease decisional conflict and increase vaccination rates.