Knowledge and attitudes about influenza vaccination amongst general practitioners, practice nurses, and people aged...

To identify knowledge, attitudes, and beliefs influencing influenza-immunisation coverage in people aged 65 years and over in New Zealand

A postal survey of general practitioners (GPs) and practice nurses (PNs) was carried out during 2001-2002 in four regions of New Zealand (Northland, Waikato, Bay of Plenty, and Christchurch) with low or high influenza-immunisation coverage, based on 2000 data. A telephone survey of people aged 65 and over was also carried out in each region. Both surveys assessed knowledge and attitudes about influenza and influenza vaccination, including barriers to vaccination and personal vaccination status.

GPs, PNs, and people aged 65 and over were generally well-informed about influenza, its complications, and the effectiveness of influenza immunisation. Some misinformation, however, is still prevalent in people 65 and over, and these beliefs discourage some older people from being immunised.

Influenza vaccination coverage among high-risk groups in New Zealand is suboptimal. Overseas studies have shown that patient attitudes and beliefs influence influenza vaccination uptake, and our findings support this. While levels of awareness about influenza and the role of vaccination in its control are high, this study suggests a need for information specifically targeted towards younger age groups about the benefits of vaccination in healthy older adults.